Learning from the Persistent Widow
The believer should imitate the persistent widow, also referred to as "importunate".
According to Luke, the parable of the persistent widow teaches the disciples to "pray always without becoming weary" (Lk 18:1).
This lesson comes after Jesus discussed the coming of the kingdom, stating that the time is near "when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and you will not see it" (Lk 17:22).
The current state is one of transition, where the kingdom is both already present and yet to come.
As the theologians put it, the kingdom is "already and not yet", requiring the disciple to pray without losing heart.
The believer should imitate the persistent widow — “importunate” she’s called.
This parable may be intended to be humorous.
Author's summary: Believers learn persistence in prayer.