In these two parables Jesus presents us with some key new testament themes; namely justice, vindication and justification. There is not too much about this in the Gospels, but Paul (given his expertise) uses this language thoroughly in his writings. After the recent Casey Anthony trial, everyone may have this lawcourt imagery in their mind, perhaps you feel in that case that evil was let loose and good went to death unjustly, perhaps you are reminded of when 'the world' chose Barabbas over Jesus and you were angered...or perhaps your cynicism got the best of you and you weren't surprised at all...perhaps you had pity on a woman who is 'dead' and prayed that she would be called to Life. Or perhaps, it wasn't even on your radar...
In the parable, there is a wicked judge, a judge who is nothing like God, but that is the point...even a wicked judge when pestered will eventually do justice. Contrast that with the good, creator God who Himself is Justice. Now in the Jewish law court system, when you wanted justice you had to go before the judge against your opponent and plea your case. The judge would then either vindicate you, or not. The one he decided for would go away 'in the right' or 'justified'. So who is standing before the judge in Jesus mind as he tells this parable? The renewed Israel who are gathering round Jesus and the 'powers' that loom over them, oppressing them and cutting them off from the Kingdom found through the Good News and Jesus...namely the Pharisees, the Temple hierarchy, Herod, Rome...and all the principalities and powers of this world. So if God is not unjust, as the judge in the parable, why does He delay, because it is His will that none should perish, but that all would come to repentance. Such is the manifold grace and love that is God. They should count His patience as salvation, as should we. He will however, come quickly with judgment and will not tarry...within this generation (as the scriptures declare)...and then Jesus shows his concern...when that terrible day comes on the earthly city of Jerusalem, will the Son of Man find faith? Will there be anyone who heeded His warnings from the previous chapter, will there be anyone prayerfully seeking justice, anyone walking out the decrees of the King, anyone whose faith has not given way to worldly-ness and cynicism, hatred and self-righteousness, violence and greed, vanity and malice? Jesus wants to know, as Paul does...when He comes, will His labors over you have been in vain?
The next parable, which is a similar scenario, makes clear, as discussed above, who the two parties are who stand before God in Jesus mind, seeking vindication and justification...the Pharisee who exalted himself over his neighbor before God and the one like those Jesus was so persecuted for ministering to and siding with, a tax collector...a repentant tax collector. Yet, whom, did the Word of God vindicate? And who was it that went away justified in the end?
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