This week, because the women were the only ones to be with Jesus both at his Crucifixion and Resurrection, we are going to begin the study with two parables concerning women. The first is the parable of the importunate unrelenting widow found in Luke 18:1-8 and the second is the parable of the ten virgins or bridesmaids found in Matthew 25:1-13. Please take the time to read each parable. Meditate and reflect on each parable and what it means. Pray over each parable that God may open up your understanding. Contemplate each parable, and let God speak to you as to what it means.
I have attached the relevant expert from Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes and The Parables to lend a better perspective.
Dinner is at 6. Discussion about 6:45. If you haven’t joined us in a while, now is a good time to start back. Hope to see you here. (And don’t forget that everyone has services tonight.)
Do not offer him a bribe, for he will not accept it;
Sirach 25:14-22
and do not rely on a dishonest sacrifice;
for the Lord is the judge,
and with him there is no partiality.
He will not show partiality to the poor;
but he will listen to the prayer of one who is wronged.
He will not ignore the supplication of the orphan,
or the widow when she pours out her complaint.
Do not the tears of the widow run down her cheek
as she cries out against the one who causes them to fall?
The one whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted,
and his prayer will reach to the clouds.
The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds,
and it will not rest until it reaches its goal;
it will not desist until the Most High responds
and does justice for the righteous, and executes judgment.