Luke 18:1-8, New International Reader's Version

The Story of the Widow Who Would Not Give Up

18 Jesus told his disciples a story. He wanted to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said, “In a certain town there was a judge. He didn’t have any respect for God or care about what people thought. 3 A widow lived in that town. She came to the judge again and again. She kept begging him, ‘Make things right for me. Someone is treating me badly.’

4 “For some time the judge refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t have any respect for God. I don’t care about what people think. 5 But this widow keeps bothering me. So I will see that things are made right for her. If I don’t, she will someday come and attack me!’ ”

6 The Lord said, “Listen to what the unfair judge says. 7 God’s chosen people cry out to him day and night. Won’t he make things right for them? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, God will see that things are made right for them. He will make sure it happens quickly. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find people on earth who have faith?”

“Be” phrase of the day:

Be patient.

Objects:

A small kitchen timer or phone timer, a picture of cookies baking or a real cookie sheet (empty or with cookies).

Message:

Good morning. Let’s see if we remember our “Be’s” so far. Week one was… Believe (hand over heart) and trust Jesus even if our faith feels small. Last week, we learned “Be thankful (praying hands). Always thank God for the blessings we have in our lives. And today, we are adding number three, “Be patient!” Let’s say it with our hands: Be patient! (Tap your wrist to suggest pointing at a watch.)

In our Bible passage today, Jesus told a story about a woman who needed help from a judge. Do you know what a judge’s job is? (Allow children to respond.) A judge is a person in charge of a courtroom. In that courtroom, the judge makes decisions about rules, fairness, and laws. A judge listens to disagreements and uses the law to decide who is right or wrong.

At first, the judge in Jesus’ story didn’t want to help the woman. But the woman kept asking…and asking…and asking! She didn’t give up. She didn’t give up until she got the help she needed. Jesus told this story to teach us that we should keep praying and never give up.

(Show the timer.) Sometimes waiting is hard, isn’t it? (Allow children to affirm.) Can you tell me of a time when waiting was difficult? (Allow children to respond.) Waiting for a birthday, for cookies to come out of the oven, or to get on a ride at a theme park after a very long line are all things that are very hard. Sometimes, if we rush, things might not turn out right. (Show cookie picture or cookie sheet.) If you take cookies out of the oven too soon, they come out all gooey and are not ready to eat. No, you must wait for just the right time to take them out. And you had better wait for them to cool as well. You don’t want to burn your mouth.

Why do you think it’s hard to be patient (hand pointing to the watch on your wrist)? (Allow children to answer.) Yes! Waiting can feel slow, but God’s timing is always perfect. Being patient means we trust that God hears our prayers, even if we don’t get an answer right away. We don’t stop praying or trusting. God’s answers are always on time.

To be patient (point to the watch on your wrist) takes practice. To help us remember, let’s practice patience. We’re going to pretend we’re the woman from the story. Let’s count slowly to ten together while knocking gently on our knees like we are knocking on a door. (Count and knock together.) You were all pretty patient. Just as the woman kept asking, we can keep praying, knowing God is listening. We believe God is always at work in our lives. Sometimes, God works in ways we can’t see yet. Patiently waiting will help us notice God’s work and grow stronger in our faith. Being patient (point to the watch on your wrist) is one way to trust God’s love.

What, then, do you think our third “Be” might be?” Ha-Ha. Get it. “Be” might be? (Allow children to respond with “be patient!”) Yes! Be patient (point to the watch on your wrist) when you pray. Be patient (point to the watch on your wrist) when you’re waiting for something good. Be patient (point to the watch on your wrist) because God’s timing is always best.

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for always listening to me. Help me to be patient (point to the watch on your wrist) when I pray and to trust your timing. Amen.

Between the Sundays: Family Conversation Starters

We have added conversation starters to each children’s message series to help spark conversations within families during the week. We encourage families to use these questions to guide them through conversations and subject matter discussed during the worship service, including the children’s messages on Sundays. These conversations will reinforce learning and nurture faith formation for the entire family.

Be Patient (Luke 18:1 8)

What does it mean to be patient? Share a time this week when it was difficult to wait.
Why do you think God sometimes asks us to wait?
Can you think of something our family has waited for together? Share examples with one another.
As a family, discuss ways to help one another remember to trust God while you wait.

Family Activity:

Bake cookies or a favorite treat together. Talk about patience while waiting for the treats to be ready. While they bake, share one thing you’re waiting for God to do, and pray together for patience.