CONNECTION. This section belongs to the same period as the preceding one; the first parable has a close connection of thought with the predictions concerning the coming of the Son of man, while the second seems to have immediately followed. The two constitute, as it were, a complete whole. ‘In order to end like the widow, one must have begun like the publican; and in order to act as recklessly of conscience as the Judge, one must have the heart of a Pharisee in his bosom' (Van Oosterzee). The first parable bears a resemblance to that of the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-13), and like it was addressed to the disciples; the second to that of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), being also addressed to a wider circle.

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Old Testament