On Mission With Jesus: The Persistent Widow

Life Group Notes – Luke 18:1–8

Welcome / Icebreaker

What’s something you’ve kept going with—even when it felt hard or long? What helped you not give up?

Opening Worship (Suggested Songs)

Play/sing/listen to one or two songs to begin with.  You could light a candle or take a moment of quiet before singing to focus hearts on worship.

•              “Way Maker” – for themes of persistence and trust in God’s unseen work

•              “Faithful One” – a gentle reminder of God’s unchanging nature

•              “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” – nature of our relationship with Jesus

Read: Luke 18:1–8

This parable is one of Jesus’ clearest. Luke tells us it’s about not giving up. The widow in the story doesn’t give up. She keeps coming. She believes justice matters. She won’t be ignored even by someone who doesn’t care.

Jesus says, “If even an unjust judge gives in, how much more will your loving God respond?” The story isn’t about nagging God—it’s about relationship, trust, and hope. It’s about community too: praying together, waiting together, trusting together.

Discussion Questions

1.           What part of the story grabs you today? Have you ever related to the widow—or what about the judge?

2.           Jesus says the parable is to encourage us to “always pray and not give up.” How do we do that in real life?

3.           What helps you stay persistent in prayer—or what makes that hard?

4.           Verse 7 talks about God bringing justice for “his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night.” What might persistent prayer for justice look like in our world? In our church?

5.           Jesus finishes with the question: “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” What do you think he means? And how do we help one another keep the faith?

6.           What role does community play in helping us not give up?

7.           How can we be the kind of group where people feel safe to share longings, unanswered prayers, and struggles?

8.           Is there someone/something in our community we’re being called to stand with/for right now—through prayer, encouragement, or practical support?

Going Deeper (Optional)

Think of a situation where you've prayed for a long time. Are there signs of God working—even if not in the way you expected? What might it mean to wait well, together?

Prayer Time

Create space for people to name aloud – or silently – something they are praying for but find hard to keep praying about. As each one is named, someone could simply say:

“Lord, in your mercy,” and all respond:
“Hear our prayer.”

You might like to close with a simple prayer or blessing.