Always Pray and Not Give Up
Questions for Study 31

Luke 18:1-17
Memory Verse: 1

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I. Persistent Prayers (1-8)

1. To whom did Jesus tell this parable? What did Jesus intend to teach them? Why?

2. What kind of person was the judge in the parable? In what respect does he contrast with the image of a good shepherd?

3. What was the request of the widow in the parable? What characterized the attitude of her supplication to him? What would be the difficulty in her continually coming to the bad judge?

4. What made the judge relent and finally grant what she asked for? What role did the incessant appeals of the widow play in bringing about justice in an environment where justice didn't come easily?

5. How is God's attitude toward his people different from that of the unjust judge? (6-8a) Why does it give such a powerful effect when God's people cry out to him day and night?

6. Why can only faithful people pray like this? Why is it necessary for God's people to pray like this widow in the parable?

7. What surprising thing will Jesus find when he comes again? (8b) What does this parable teach us about prayer?

II. Humble Prayer (9-14)

8. To whom did Jesus address this parable?

9. Who were the two men praying in the temple? What were the respective social positions and reputations of each of them?

10. How did the Pharisee pray and what was wrong with his prayer? What was the attitude and prayer topic of the tax-collector?

11. What was God's response to the prayer of each? What can you learn about the character of God throughout this parable? What can you learn here about prayer?

III. Like a Little Child (15-19)

12. Why did the people bring babies to Jesus? Why did the disciples rebuke them?

13. How did Jesus welcome them? What lesson did Jesus teach his disciples through accepting them? In what respect do the widow and the tax-collector in the parables have childlike characters?