Bible Passage
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Luke 18:1-8)
Today is the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost. During the season of Pentecost we learn about Jesus and the early church. There are 5 more Sundays in the season of Pentecost before Advent begins.
Today hear about a widow who went to judge to get what she wanted. The judge didn’t give her it at first, but eventually did.
Watch the video to find out why:
So, in today’s gospel from St. Luke, Jesus is trying to help his disciples be better at praying. Jesus tells a story to his disciples about a woman who wants a judge to help her out. But the judge isn’t a very good judge and doesn’t ever try to help people. The judge just does whatever he wants to do.
But the woman keeps talking to the judge. Every day, she shows up and never stops talking to the judge. She doesn’t even get upset or discouraged about how long it takes for the judge to respond.
And because the woman keeps talking to the judge, the judge eventually listens to the woman and responds to her.
By telling this story to his disciples, Jesus is helping the disciples think about how to pray. Jesus is teaching them that:
Prayer is something that is meant to happen often – daily, even hourly.
And, by praying often, Jesus is teaching the disciples that they will be more receptive and in-step with God when something changes or something new happens.
There is, though, one difference between praying to God and the story that Jesus told.
Unlike the judge who doesn’t care about anyone or anybody, God cares very much about the disciples.
And, God cares very much about you and me – and for all of us!
Which means, unlike the judge, God wants to hear from us – wants to hear from us about how our day went, things we like, and things we are worried about and afraid of.
And, if we keep checking in with God about what is going on for us in our lives, then we will also be better able to hear and know from God how God wants to help us with those things. When this happens, we will also be better able to share God’s wisdom and care with the people around us, too!
Discuss
- Why should we never give up praying?
- When do you talk to God?
- When was a time you asked God for help?
Song
Every Move I Make. CJ and Friends.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPvnZILn6EY
Activity
Play “Don’t crack up!” Have students sit in a circle. Designate one student to be the one who tries to make people laugh and go in the middle of the circle. Give that child a phrase to say, and have them walk around trying to make the others laugh. The first person to laugh goes in the middle of the circle and does the same thing. OR have students pair up and see if they can make one another laugh. Student should be persistent like the widow.
Activity
Give each member of your family a pinwheel, or have each person make a pinwheel. Have everyone blow slowly on the pinwheel to keep it moving. Talk to your family about how windmills have the power to pump water, or to produce electricity, but only when the wind is blowing them. Remind your family that the Bible story this week tells us to never stop praying. Remind them that praying to God is like the pinwheel. Prayer has the power to change a lot of things, especially when we do it consistently.
Watch this video for instructions to make a simple pinwheel.
Closing Prayer
Loving God, you are always interested in hearing from us. Help us to pray often. Help us to listen to you. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Dan Fugate, Assistant to the Bishop for Discipleship in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, put this lesson together for Sunday School @ Home. Contact him at [email protected].
