The Parable of the Persistent Widow

Luke 18

¹ And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought _r always to pray and not _s lose heart. ² He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who _t neither feared God nor respected man. ³ And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.' ⁴ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, _u 'Though I neither fear God nor respect man, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.'" ⁶ And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says. ⁷ And _v will not God give justice to _w his elect, _x who cry to him day and night? _{y z} Will he delay long over them? ⁸ I tell you, he will give justice to them _a speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, _b will he find faith on earth?"

1. Cross References
   Luke 21:36
   But stay awake at all times, praying that you m...
   Romans 12:12
   Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be ...
   Ephesians 6:18
   Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all pr...
   Colossians 4:2
   Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful ...
   1 Thessalonians 5:17
   Pray without ceasing.
   Luke 11:5 - 9
   And he said to them, "Which of you who has a fr...
   
2. Cross References
   2 Corinthians 4:1
   Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.
   2 Corinthians 4:16
   So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
   2 Thessalonians 3:13
   As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
   
3. Cross References
   2 Corinthians 8:21
   For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.
   
4. Cross References
   Luke 11:8
   I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs.
   
5. Cross References
   Revelation 6:10
   They cried out with a loud voice, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?
   Isaiah 63:4
   For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and my year of redemption had come.
   
6. Cross References
   Romans 8:33
   Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
   Colossians 3:12
   Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
   Titus 1:1
   Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness.
   Mark 13:20
   And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.
   
7. Cross References
   Psalms 88:1
   O Lord, God of my salvation; I cry out day and night before you.
   
8. Cross References
   James 5:7
   Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.
   
9. Cross References
   2 Peter 3:9
   The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
   
10. Cross References
    Hebrews 10:37
    For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay.
    
11. Cross References
    Luke 17:26 - 30
    Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man.
    Matthew 24:12
    And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.