Lesson 1 - The Fishers of Men Ministries

lesson 15PARABLES ON PRAYERPersistent Friend Lk 11:5-10Widow & Judge Lk 18:1-8Pharisee & Tax Collector Lk 18:9-14I. Background to the Parables1. Contexta. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, and He gave them the exampleprayer in Lk 11:2-4, often called the Lord’s prayer.b. Continuing His teaching, Jesus taught about persistence in prayer, Lk 11:5-10.c. The Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom would come. Jesus taught aboutthe coming of the kingdom, and about judgment on Israel, Lk 17:20-37. Alsosee Mt 24.d. Then Jesus taught His disciples two parables about prayer, Lk 18:1-14.2. Definitions/Cultural Insightsa. Pharisee: a separatist, exclusively religious. They laid stress not upon therighteousness of an action, but upon its formal correctness.b. Tax collector: an Israelite who collected taxes for the Roman government.They were hated by the people and classed with harlots/sinners.II. Understanding the Parables1. Jesus taught… about seeking help through prayer in the parable of thepersistent friend, Lk 11:5-13.a. The friend had a sudden need for assistance, and went to his friend for help, :6.b. His request was reasonable, he asked for three loaves to feed someone else, :5.c. His request was heard because he woke up his friend at midnight, :8.d. If we understand how a friend would help us because of the trouble we caused, then we should know that God will answer our requests, :9-10.e. If our human fathers give good gifts to their children, how much more will ourheavenly Father give good gifts to His children when we ask, :13.2. Jesus taught… about persistence in prayer, and seeking justice throughprayer in the parable of the widow and the judge, Lk 18:1-8.a. The judge in the parable was unjust, :2.b. The widow continually requested him to give her justice, :3.c. The unrighteous judge gave her justice to stop her from troubling him, :5.