1. I like that we know that the reason of the first parable is to understand that we need to pray and not give up.
2. So…basically, this judge caves because of the widow’s persistence. He didn’t want to be bothered. Jesus says that God isn’t like that (because that would mean that He’s kind of mean). Instead, He says that, since we are His “chosen ones,” wouldn’t our persistence in prayer yield that much better results because He is a good God.
3. Would you consider yourself “persistent” when it comes to your prayer life?
4. Why on earth would someone be cocky in front of God? Silliness. He puffs himself up and knocks other people down. But, then again, isn’t that what we do sometimes?
5. Funny story, back in the day, you were supposed to fast twice a week. A legend about the original St. Nicholas says that he was devout, even from his birth. When he was a baby, he refused to nurse on the two forbidden days. He he he…
6. I like the tax collector’s prayer. It’s about God. And he, in the words of the Rock, knows his role.
7. Why would you puff yourself up in front of God? That would be like me challenging Kobe Bryant to a game of one-on-one just because I could beat my twelve-year-old cousin. When we compare ourselves to other Christians, we might look ok; but when we compare ourselves to a holy God…well…that’s a whole other story.
