Abstract:
This article proposes an alternate way of reading the parable of Jesus with special emphasis
on Luke 18:1–8. The goal of this contextual reading is the search for the liberation of the
violated and disenfranchised widows in independent Zimbabwe. In the reading of the
parable, the sociocultural and historical context of Luke is used for an informed reading
and analysis of the characters and the plot of the parable. This reading is then compared
with the contemporary sociocultural and historical context of widows in the independent
Zimbabwe. It is argued that the Lukan socio-cultural and historical contexts provided the
source and reason for the persistence and courage for the persistent widow, and that the
widows in independent Zimbabwe must follow the example of the persistent widow to
curb disenfranchisement and violations in their own context.
INTRADISCIPLINARY AND /OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS: The article indicates that the
persistent widow in the parable can be seen as a model for courage and persistence for the
suffering widows in Zimbabwe. This model can chart a new course for widows who daily
suffer injustice in Zimbabwe because of its patriarchal cultural setting.
