OUTLINE:

Come Consistently (18:1-8)
Come Confessionally (18:9-14)
Come Childlike (18:15-17)

QUESTIONS:

(Luke 18:1,7-8) Where in your life have you been tempted to stop praying and lose heart?
1. Jesus already knows how easy it is for us to grow weary when answers seem delayed. As you reflect, consider where disappointment, delay, pain, confusion, or silence has made you less eager to come before God. Ask yourself where you have quietly concluded, “What’s the point?” and let that reveal the places where Jesus is calling you back to steady dependence.
(Luke 18:2-8) What does persistent prayer reveal about what you actually believe concerning God’s character?
1. The widow keeps coming because she believes someone must hear her case, but Jesus contrasts the unjust judge with our righteous God. The point is not that God is reluctant and must be worn down, but that if even an unrighteous judge eventually responds, how much more will a good and just Father respond to His people. As you answer, think about whether your prayer life reflects confidence that God is good, attentive, just, and faithful, or whether it reveals fear that He is distant, indifferent, or slow to care.
(Luke 18:9-12) In what ways are you tempted to approach God like the Pharisee rather than the tax collector?
1. The Pharisee’s prayer is full of comparison, self-congratulation, and a spiritual résumé. He is technically praying, but he is really admiring himself in God’s presence. As you reflect, consider how often you measure yourself against others, lean on your good behavior, or subtly believe God should be more pleased with you because of your discipline, morality, service, or knowledge. Ask God to expose the ways self-righteousness can hide inside spiritual language.
(Luke 18:13-14) What would honest confession look like for you right now?
1. The tax collector stands at a distance, will not even lift his eyes to heaven, and cries, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” His confession is simple, honest, and unguarded. He is not managing appearances. He is acknowledging his need. As you answer, name what needs to be brought into the light before God without excuse, spin, or self-protection. Consider what it would look like to stop defending yourself and simply ask for mercy.
(Luke 18:15-17) How is Jesus inviting you to trust Him more like a child this week, with dependence rather than control?
1. Jesus welcomes little children and says the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child. Children come empty-handed, trusting, dependent, and aware that they need help. As you reflect, think about where you are trying to manage outcomes, maintain control, or prove your strength instead of receiving from God with simple trust. This week, where is Jesus inviting you to surrender control, lean on Him, and come with open hands rather than clenched fists?

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE:

Luke 18:1-17

NEXT WEEK:

Luke 18:18-30

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