This parable is also known as the Parable of the Unjust Judge or the Parable of the Importunate Widow appears only in one of the Canonical gospels of the New Testament, namely the Gospel of Luke. It tells about a judge who "did not fear God and did not respect man", who is repeatedly approached by a poor widow, seeking justice. Initially rejecting her demands, he eventually honors her request to avoid being worn out by her persistence. The writer of the gospel explains that the purpose of the parable is to exemplify the importance of persistence in prayer, never losing heart. It is found immediately prior to the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican and is similar in to the parable of the Friend at Night.
Pharisee and the Publican
In the New Testament, Pharisees often display a punctilious adherence to Jewish Law. United Methodist theologian Joel B. Green explains that the Pharisee depicted in this parable went beyond his fellows, fasting more often than was required, and giving a tithe on all he receives, even in cases where the religious rules did not require it. Confident in his religiosity, the Pharisee asks God for nothing, and thus receives nothing. On the other hand, publicans were despised Jews who collaborated with the Roman Empire. Because they were best known for collecting tolls or taxes, they are commonly described as tax collectors. The parable, however, does not condemn the publican's occupation, but describes the publican as one who "recognizes his state of unworthiness before God and confesses his need for reconciliation". Coming to God in humility, the publican receives the mercy and reconciliation he asks for.
Each of the three synoptic gospels tells of Jesus healing the blind near Jericho, as he passed through that town, shortly before his passion. Mark tells only of a man named Bartimaeus being present, as Jesus left Jericho, making him one of the few named people to be miraculously cured by Jesus. Matthew has a similar account of two blind men being healed outside of Jericho, but gives no names. Luke tells of one unnamed blind man, but ties the event to Jesus' approach to Jericho rather than his departure from there. These men together would be the second of two healings of blind men on Jesus' journey from the start of his travels from Bethsaida to Jerusalem, via Jericho. It is possible, though not certain, that Bartimaeus heard about the first healing, and so knew of Jesus' reputation.
