Single lesson
The Persistent Widow
Luke 18:1–8
Jesus told this parable to show why people should keep praying and not give up. Children can learn what the widow kept asking for, how the judge responded, and what Jesus says about faith.
Before you teach
In this passage, Jesus first states the purpose of the parable, then tells about a judge and a widow in one city. After the story, Jesus explains what listeners should notice and asks a final question about faith when the Son of Man comes.
Students will be able to explain that Jesus taught his listeners to keep praying in faith and not give up.
Welcome: What does it mean to keep asking?
5 minBegin by introducing this as a parable Jesus told. Explain that Jesus gave the reason for the story before telling it: people must always pray and not give up. Ask the children to listen for who keeps asking, what she wants, and what Jesus wants listeners to learn.
Luke 18:1
Read and explain: The judge and the widow
8 minRead the parable aloud. Point out that the judge did not fear God and did not respect people. The widow kept coming with one request: ‘Defend me from my adversary!’ Explain that she was asking for justice and protection in her trouble. The judge refused at first, but she kept coming.
Luke 18:2, Luke 18:3, Luke 18:4, Luke 18:5
Discuss: What does Jesus want us to notice?
7 minHelp the children notice that Jesus says, ‘Listen to what the unrighteous judge says.’ Then compare the judge with God carefully. The judge acts because he is bothered, but Jesus says God hears his chosen ones who cry out day and night. This teaches confidence and persistence in prayer.
Luke 18:6, Luke 18:7
Make and respond: Prayer reminder scene
7 minMake a simple scene from the parable using paper figures or blocks for the judge and widow. Add a speech bubble with the widow’s request. Then compare two everyday responses: giving up after one try, or continuing faithfully. Connect this to Jesus’ teaching about always praying and not giving up.
Luke 18:1, Luke 18:3, Luke 18:5
Closing: Faith that keeps calling out
3 minFinish by reading Jesus’ final words. Explain that Jesus says God will act, and then asks whether the Son of Man will find faith on the earth. Invite children to name one thing this parable teaches about faithful prayer: keep praying, trust God, and do not give up.
Luke 18:7, Luke 18:8
Questions to explore
What request did the widow keep bringing to the judge?
Look for the exact words she repeats, and notice that she is asking to be defended from an adversary.
Luke 18:3
Why did the judge finally decide to defend her?
The passage says he did not change because he became kind, but because her continual coming bothered him.
Luke 18:4, Luke 18:5
What did Jesus say this parable was meant to teach?
Read the opening line and connect it with the ending question about whether the Son of Man will find faith on the earth.
Luke 18:1, Luke 18:8
Make, think or respond
Widow and Judge Reminder Scene
What you’ll need
- paper
- pencils or crayons
- child-safe scissors
- glue or tape
- blocks or small objects
Try it together
- Draw or build two simple parts of the parable: the widow and the judge.
- Add a speech bubble or label with the widow’s words, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’
- Ask the children to show with their scene that she kept coming again and again.
- Talk about two responses to a hard situation: giving up quickly or continuing to pray.
- Place the finished scene somewhere visible during the closing prayer time.
The scene helps children remember that the widow kept coming, and Jesus used her example to teach constant prayer and faith.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, shorten the discussion and have them repeat the key sentence together: ‘Always pray and not give up.’
- For older children, ask them to explain how the judge is described in contrast with what Jesus says about God hearing those who cry out to him.
An optional closing prayer
You may pray: ‘God, please help us keep praying and not give up. Teach us to trust you and to keep faith in you. Amen.’
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Luke 18
1 He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray and not give up,
2 saying, “There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear God and didn’t respect man.
3 A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’
4 He wouldn’t for a while; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man,
5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’ ”
6 The Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says.
7 Won’t God avenge his chosen ones who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.
Source passages
Something to make together
These activities connect with the passage. Choose one that suits your group and the time you have.
