36: The praying widow & the prayer of a tax collector & a child enters the kingdom (Luke 18:1 – 17)

This passage illustrates what faith looks life.

👉 Read Luke 18:1-17

Q1. What is the lesson of the parable of the persistent widow? (1)

To pray always and not to lose heart,

The Bible explicitly says the purpose of this parable. We are not to focus other voices from the parable; e.g. God delays to answer our prayer just like this judge.

Q2. By comparing God to the unjust judge, we can see how much well God listens to our prayers. What are the reasons?

This judge is unjust and not fearing God (2, 4) but our God is just and righteous.

The widow was no one for the judge but because of keeping coming the judge granted her request. However, we are chosen by God and He answers our prayer speedily, not reluctantly. 

Faith is to wait for God’s final justice when Jesus returns. Will you stand in faith while His return is being delayed though he had said he would come quickly?

Note that God would give justice (in other words, His Kingdom) to us, not something else. God’s promise is not primarily about granting our personal requests, but about accomplishing His righteous purpose. He will bring justice to His people, vindicate His name, and establish His kingdom in His perfect timing. Therefore, our persistent prayer should not be centered on our own comfort or immediate needs, but on God’s greater mission: the glory of His name, the coming of His kingdom, the fulfillment of His justice, and the salvation of many souls who will enter His kingdom.

Q3. Compare Pharisee's prayer with the tax collector's prayer. Why do you think God called the tax collector more righteous?

He admitted his sinfulness and asked for mercy.

What the Pharisee said (11) could be true. However, he boasted himself before God, which made him unrighteous. Knowing that mercy is the only way of salvation, the attitude of humbly seeking mercy is righteous before the Lord.  

Q4. “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like (        ) will never enter it.”

A child

To receive the kingdom of God like a child means to receive it with simple faith—without human calculations, without relying on one’s own ability or qualification, and without approaching God based on personal achievements. A child simply trusts and receives. It is the opposite of the attitude of an adult who depends on self-sufficiency, human wisdom, or what one has accomplished.

Sometimes, rather than focusing on accumulating biblical knowledge, we need to focus on restoring a childlike faith.