Persistent Prayer

Luise Schottroff in his new book, The Parables of Jesus, (2006) has linked together based on content the Parables of the Insistent Friend (Lk. 11:5-13) and the Stubborn Widow (Lk. 18:1-8). Talbert noted more than thirty years ago that these two parables were part of a major chiastic structure (Lk. 10:21 to 18:30) in which “the elements (parables) are balanced in chiastic fashion.” Both parables, according to Talbert, treat the theme of God’s willingness to answer prayer. Schottroff makes no mention of chiastic patterns. Both parables, which are unique to Luke, are clearly intended to be an incentive to shameless boldness in persistent prayer.

Although both parables speak to prayer, the differences between the parables should be noted and appreciated. In the first parable, theimportance of the network of solidarity among human beings is shown by the hospitality exhibited. The second parable provides encouragement to those engaged in the resistance to structures of injustice.

Copyrighted 2006

Religion

Christianity

Gospel of Luke