Luke 18: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Luke 18 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Jesus tells a parable about a persistent widow who seeks justice from an unjust judge (vv. 1-8). The judge eventually grants her request due to her perseverance.

Key verse

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Luke 18:14 (WEB)

Outline

Luke 18:1–8 Parable of the Persistent Widow
Luke 18:9–14 Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector
Luke 18:15–17 Jesus Blesses the Children
Luke 18:18–30 The Rich Ruler's Challenge
Luke 18:31–34 Jesus Predicts His Death
Luke 18:35–43 Healing of the Blind Man

Discussion questions

In v6, what does the judge say about himself regarding his character?
What does the tax collector say in v13 when he prays to God?
The phrase 'will he find faith on the earth?' in v8: what implications does this have for the believers?
When Jesus says it is 'easier for a camel to enter through a needle’s eye' in v25, what difficulty is He addressing?
When have you felt like the 'tax collector' in v13, needing God’s mercy?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Luke 18: Matthew 19, Mark 10, Matthew 6.

Before next time: read Luke 19.