Parable Of The Persistent Widow For Kids

Jesus' Parable Of The Persistent Widow For Kids Introduction

Meta Description: Join Jesus as He shares the simple yet profound Parable of the Persistent Widow. Learn about faith, persistent prayer, and ancient customs in a story for children (3+) that teaches us to always talk to God.

Jesus began His parable with these words, "my dear children, gather close around me, find a comfy spot, whether on the ground or snuggled beside a friend. I want to tell you a story from a place not so far from here, a story about a judge, a widow, and a very important lesson about talking to our Heavenly Father."

Parable of the Persistent Widow Scriptures: Luke 18: 1 - 8

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man.

And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’

For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man,

yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.

And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says.

And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?

I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?

A Story From My Heart to Yours: The Widow Who Wouldn't Give Up

Do you know what it’s like to really, really have a problem? Like someone bullying you at school?  Or children who laugh at you? Sometimes, it feels like our problems are very big, and we are very small. But I want to tell you about someone who was small and seemed to have no power, yet who taught us a very big lesson.

Long ago, in a city where dusty paths wound between homes made of sun-baked mud bricks and stone, there lived a judge. The duty of the judge was to listen to complaints and pass sentences against people who did wrong to others. 

Now, he was not a fair  judge. He was unjust. Often he let wrongdoers get away with their evil deeds. This judge sat at the city gate, which was like the main office or meeting place for everyone in town (De Vaux, 1961, p. 165). People would come there for business, to chat, and sometimes, to ask for fairness when there was a problem. This judge, sadly, did not care much about what God wanted, and he didn't care much about people either. He just did what he pleased. Was that right? No, it was not.

The Widow’s Daily Journey

In that same city lived a woman who had lost her husband. When a woman's husband dies, she is called a widow. Being a widow   meant she often had no one to help her. There was no strong man to look after her and the family, as was the custom (De Vaux, 1961, p. 39). She might have had to work very hard just to get enough food, perhaps grinding grain with heavy stones to make flour for bread, or gathering firewood in the hot sun. Life was very difficult for her.

This poor widow had a big problem. Someone had been unfair to her. Maybe the person had robbed her or taken something that was rightfully hers. That person was "adversary," someone who was against her. So, what do you think she did? Did she give up? Did she cry and stay home? No!

Every single day, she walked all the way to the city gate. Perhaps she passed by the busy market where merchants called out about their olives and figs. Maybe she passed by children playing with wooden tops in the narrow streets. Although she saw them, her mind was on one thing: justice.

The Widow's Persistent Plea

When she reached the gate, she would see the judge sitting there. She would go right up to him and say, loudly and clearly, for everyone to hear, “Please, Judge! Give me justice against my adversary! Make things right for me!”

Day after day, she would come. The judge would see her coming. He would hear her voice. Maybe he would groan inside when he saw her. For a long, long time, he just ignored the widow's cry for justice. He refused to listen. He pretended not to hear. He might even have waved her away with his hand. "Go away!" he might have thought.

But did she go away? No! She kept coming. And coming. And coming. Like a little donkey that keeps nudging your hand for a treat, she just wouldn’t stop going to the judge and crying for justice. 

She knew the way to the city gate by heart. She knew every dusty path of the town, and every humble home where families shared their evening meals by oil lamp light. She refused to allow the judge to ignore her.

The Judge Changes His Mind

Finally, after many, many days, after many, many times of hearing her voice, the grumpy judge started talking to himself. Now, this judge didn’t fear God, and he didn't care what people thought of him. He wasn't fair. He said to himself, “Even though I don’t care about God or people, this widow is really starting to bother me. She just won’t stop! If I don't give her justice, she will just keep coming back and wear me out with her constant bothering!” (Luke 18:4-5).

So, do you know what he did? He gave her justice! He decided to make things right for her, not because he was kind, but because she was persistent. She kept on asking, asking, asking for help!

The Big Lesson for Us

Now, why do I tell you this story, my dear ones? Because it teaches us something so important about talking to our Heavenly Father. The grumpy, unfair judge listened eventually just because the widow kept asking for justice. In the same way, our good, loving Heavenly Father listens to us when we pray and will answer even if it seems pray for a long time about problems.

God loves you more than you can ever imagine. He is not like that grumpy judge. He is always good, always kind, and always listening. So, when you have something on your heart, big or small, something you need, or something that is a problem what should you do? 

You should always pray and never give up (Luke 18:1). Just keep talking to your Heavenly Father. He hears every single prayer, and He cares for you deeply. He will always do what is right and good for you, in His perfect time.

Keep praying, little ones. Keep talking to God. He loves to hear from you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a "judge" in this story? A1: In ancient times, a judge was a very important person in a city. The judge sat at the city gate (De Vaux, 1961, p. 165) and helped people solve their disagreements and make sure things were fair, like a wise elder or a court today. This particular judge was not a good one, though.

Q2: Why was it hard for the widow to get justice? A2: In ancient Israel, widows often didn't have a strong family protector, like a husband or adult son, to speak for them or help them in legal matters. This made them very vulnerable and dependent on the kindness of others or the justice system (De Vaux, 1961, p. 39).

Q3: What does "persistent" mean? A3: "Persistent" means to keep trying and not give up, even when things are difficult or someone says no. The widow was persistent because she kept going back to the judge every day.

Q4: What is the main message Jesus wants us to learn? A4: The main message is that we should always pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1). If even an unfair judge gave in because of persistence, our loving God, who is always good, will surely listen to our prayers and give us what is right in His time.

Q5: Can children really talk to God? A5: Yes, absolutely! God loves to hear from children of all ages. You can talk to Him about anything – your joys, your worries, your thanks, or what you need help with. Just like you talk to your parents, you can talk to God.

Conclusion: Keep Praying, Little Ones!

So, my dear children, remember the story of the persistent widow. Just like she kept going to the judge until she got what was fair, you should keep talking to our Heavenly Father. He is always listening, always loving, and always good. Never think your voice is too small or your prayer isn't important. God loves to hear from you. Keep praying, keep believing, and keep trusting in His great love for you.

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References

De Vaux, R. (1961). Ancient Israel: Its Life and Institutions. Darton, Longman & Todd.

Luke 18:1-5. (n.d.). English Standard Version Bible. Crossway Bibles.

Jesus' Parable Of The Lost Coin

 The Parable of the Lost Coin

Meta Description: Join Jesus as He tells a heartwarming parable  of the lost coin, a determined woman, and the great joy she found when something precious is recovered. 

Parable of the lost coin bible verses - Luke 15:8-10

Or what woman, having ten silver coins,[ if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?

And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’

Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Parable of the Lost Sheep.

The Ten Silver Coins Were A Woman's Treasure

Jesus gathered the children to tell them the Parable of the Lost Coin. Imagine, if you will, a village not far from here, perhaps like your own, nestled among the olive trees and dusty paths. In this village lived a woman. Now, in our time, a woman’s silver coins were not just for buying bread or cloth. Often, these ten silver coins, called drachmas, were her very own special treasure, perhaps given to her by her family as a wedding gift. She would wear a beautiful headband of coins to show she was married and to keep her wealth safe (Monson, 2017). Think of these ten coins as a precious part of her identity, her savings, her security.

This woman, like many in our villages, lived in a simple mud-brick house. Her floor was probably just packed earth, sometimes covered with straw or reeds. The rooms could be quite dark, even during the day, because windows were small, meant more for keeping out the hot sun or cold winds than letting in much light.

The Search for the Lost Coin Begins!

One sunny morning, as she went about her daily chores – perhaps grinding grain with a hand mill to make flour for bread, or perhaps sorting lentils – she touched her precious headband. And then, her heart leaped! One of her ten coins was gone! Just one.

Now, why was this so upsetting? That missing, lost coin meant more than just money. It was part of her special treasure. Can you imagine how she felt? Sad? Worried? Yes, all of those things!

So, what did she do? Did she give up? No! She did not sit idly. Oh no, my dears, she was determined!

First, she lit a lamp. Even though it might have been daytime outside, inside her humble home, there were dark corners where a tiny coin could hide. The flickering flame would help her see into every crevice (Jeremias, 1969).

Then, she began to sweep the house. Not just a quick brush, but diligently, carefully, sweeping every inch of that earthen floor. Maybe she got down on to the floor, pushing the dirt and dust this way and that way. Maybe her eyes scanned the floor left and right, back and forth, hoping, praying to see that glint of silver. 

She would look under the sleeping mats, behind the large clay storage jars, and in every crack. She would make a patient, thorough search, as careful as a shepherd looking for a lost lamb in the hills of Judea.

Rejoicing with Friends When The Lost Coin Was Found

And then, children, imagine the moment! Her lamp beam catches something, a tiny sparkle! With a cry of joy, she reaches down, and there it is – her lost silver coin! Her heart filled with happiness, like a burst of sunshine after a storm!

Did she keep this joy to herself? No! That would not be our custom. When something wonderful happens, we share our joy! She went out, perhaps to the courtyard or the village well where women gathered. She called her friends and neighbors. "Rejoice with me!" she exclaimed, "for I have found the coin that I had lost!" And they did rejoice with her, because in our close-knit communities, one person’s joy is everyone’s joy. They understood how important that coin was to her.

God's Rejoices In The Presence Of The Angels When One Lost Human Being Who Repents Of Their Sins

Now, why do I tell you this story about a woman and her lost coin? Listen closely, my little ones, for this is the most important part.

Just like that woman searched with all her heart for that one lost coin, and just like she rejoiced so greatly when she found it, even more wonderful is the joy in heaven! I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents!

Do you know what "repents" means? It means when someone who has perhaps wandered away, like that coin was lost, turns their heart back to God. When they realize they want to be close to God again, and they decide to change their ways, there is a great celebration in Heaven!

Each one of you is more precious than any silver coin, more valuable than all the treasures in the world. And just as the woman cared deeply for her coin, God cares for each of you infinitely more. 

Each human was born as a sinner and is lost in sin. God rejoices greatly in Heaven whenever anyone turns away from sinning and begins to live righteously.

God is always looking for you in order to save you from sins and from hell. He is, pleading for you to turn to Him. When you do so, there is immense joy in heaven. You are never forgotten, never unloved.

Read this article on how to receive eternal life in order to find your way to God and repent of your sins.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What kind of houses did people live in during Jesus' time? A: Most people lived in simple mud-brick houses with earthen floors, often with small windows to keep out the heat or cold.

Q2: Why was one silver coin so important to the woman? A: For many women in ancient Israel, a set of ten silver coins (drachmas) was a special family treasure, sometimes worn as a headband to show status and wealth, making each coin very valuable to her.

Q3: How did people make flour for bread in those days? A: Women often used a hand mill to grind grains like wheat or barley into flour, a daily chore that was essential for their food.

Q4: What does "repents" mean in the story? A: "Repents" means to turn your heart back to God, to  change your ways from sinning and to live righteously according to the Word of God (bible). It’s like finding your way home after being lost.

Conclusion

So, my dear children, remember the woman and her lost coin. Remember her diligent search, her great joy, and the shared celebration. And always, always remember that God's love for you is even greater. You are His precious treasure, and there is immense joy in heaven when you repent of your sins and begin to live for Him.

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References

Jeremias, J. (1969). The Parables of Jesus (Completely Rev. Ed.). Charles Scribner's Sons.

Monson, J. (2017). Women of the Old Testament: Inspiring You to Live with Strength and Courage. Deseret Book Company. (Note: While this specific reference focuses on the Old Testament, the cultural practice of women wearing coins as a display of wealth and status, often as part of a dowry or wedding gift, extends into the intertestamental and New Testament periods in the region. This is a common point of discussion in biblical customs studies.)

Jesus' Parable Of The Talents:

Meta Description: Join Jesus as He shares a timeless story about the parable of the talents. Discover how even little ones can learn to be good stewards of the money that God puts in our hands. 

My dear children, gather 'round, for I have another parable to tell you, a story about a man who was going on a long journey, just like some of your fathers might travel to distant towns for trade or to visit family.

A Journey and Important Business

Now, in our land, people often traveled for many reasons. Sometimes, they would go to Jerusalem three times a year for the great feasts, or perhaps to the bustling markets in cities like Capernaum or Jericho to sell their olives, grapes, or fish. This man, a wealthy landowner, had many servants who helped him care for his fields and flocks, and manage his household. Before he left for his long journey, he called three of his trusted servants to him. He had important business for them to tend to while he was away.

He gave each of them some of his precious coins, called talents. A talent was a very large sum, and is valued about about  200 pounds in weight. A talent of gold was more money than most people would see in a lifetime! It was like giving them a whole big sack of gold coins, enough to buy many sheep, or even a small piece of land!

The Employer Gave Money To His Servants To Invest

The employer gave five talents to the first servant. To the second, he gave two talents, while he gave one talent to the third. He gave to each according to their ability, knowing what each one could handle. He was just like a shepherd that knows which sheep can graze on the highest mountains and which need to stay closer to the safe pastures. He then said to them, "Go now, and do business with this while I am away." And with that, he set off on his journey.

The First Servant Doubled His Investment To 10 Talents

The first servant, with his five talents, was very diligent. He didn't just sit and wait; he went out and traded! Perhaps he bought fine cloth from Damascus and sold it in the markets of Tiberias. Maybe he invested in more olive groves, knowing that good olive oil was always in demand. 

This first servant worked hard, day in and day out. He worked just like your fathers work in the fields under the hot sun, or like your mothers as they spin wool into warm clothing. And guess what? He doubled his master's money! He turned five talents into ten! Isn't that wonderful?

The Second Servant Doubled His Investment To 4 Talents

The second servant, with his two talents, was also very wise. He didn't compare himself to the first servant, saying, "Oh, I only have two!" No, he went out and did business with what he had. Maybe he bought some fertile land and planted a vineyard, knowing that good wine was always sought after, especially during feasts. 

He worked with all his might, just as a fisherman mends his nets carefully or a potter shapes his clay with skill. And he, too, doubled his master's money, turning two talents into four!

The Third Servant Did Not Invest His Talent

But then there was the third servant, who had received only one talent. He didn't go out and do business. Instead, he dug a hole in the ground and hid his employer's money there. In our land, where there were no big banks like you see today, sometimes people would bury their treasures to keep them safe from robbers. But this servant hid it out of fear. He was afraid he might lose it, or that he wouldn't do a good job. He didn't trust his master, and he didn't trust himself.

The Employer's Return: A Time for Reckoning

After a long time, the employer returned. Imagine the excitement in the household as he rode back into the courtyard! It was time for him to settle accounts with his servants.

He called the first servant. The servant came forward, beaming, and said, "Sir, you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more!" The employer was overjoyed! He said, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master!" He was so pleased that he gave him even more responsibility and welcomed him into his celebration.

Then came the second servant. He said, "Sir, you entrusted me with two talents. See, I have gained two more!" And the employer  replied, just as warmly, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master!" He, too, was welcomed into his employer's joyful celebration.

Finally, the third servant came forward, looking a bit nervous. He said, "Sir, I knew you to be a hard man, harvesting where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. So I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours."

Oh, my dear children, his employer was not pleased. He said to him, "You wicked and lazy servant! You knew that I harvest where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming, I should have received what was my own with interest!" 

Even if the third servant was afraid to trade, he could have put the money with someone who would make it grow a little, just like a farmer plants a tiny seed that grows into a big, strong plant.

And then, the master commanded, "Take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance. But from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Meaning Of The Parable Of The Talents

My children, this story teaches us a very important truth. You see, the employer represents God, our Heavenly Father. The talents represent all the wonderful gifts He gives to us: your brilliant minds, your nimble hands, your kind hearts, your voices to sing praises, your feet to run and play. Any special gift that you have is a talent, like drawing, singing and other things that you can do well.

God gives each of you unique gifts and abilities. He doesn't want you to bury them or hide them away out of fear. He wants you to use them! When you use your gifts, whether it's sharing your toys, helping a friend, learning new things, or using your hands to create, you are like the good and faithful servants who doubled their master's money. You are growing what God has given you! And when you use your gifts for good, you bring joy to God and to others.

Remember, God loves you and has given you so much. What will you do with the precious gifts He has given you? Will you use them and make them grow? Or will you hide them away?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a "talent" in this story?

A: In this story, a "talent" was a large amount of money, usually silver. It wasn't like the "talent" we use today to mean a special skill. It was a measure of wealth, showing how much the employer trusted his servants.

Q2: Why was the third servant called "wicked and lazy"?

A: The third servant was called wicked and lazy not just because he didn't make more money, but because he didn't even try. He let his fear stop him from doing anything, and he didn't trust his master's generosity. He also had a wrong idea about his employer, thinking he was too harsh.

Q3: What does this story mean for us today?

A: This story teaches us that God gives each of us gifts and abilities. He wants us to use these gifts, to grow them, and to serve others with them. It's about being faithful with what we have, no matter how big or small it seems.

Conclusion

So, my dear little ones, remember the story of the talents. Look around you and see all the wonderful things God has given you. How can you use your hands, your minds, and your hearts to grow His gifts? Will you share your joy, learn something new, or help someone in need? 

Jesus wants us to know that one day He will reward all those who use their talents to bring glory to His name. Those who bury their talents by refusing to invest them in His Kingdom will be cast into the lake of fire. 

Every little act of kindness and effort to learn is like planting a seed that will grow into something beautiful. Go now, and be good stewards of the wonderful gifts God has given you!

Read about how to receive eternal life.

Jesus' Parable Of The Talents Matthew 25: 14 - 30 NKJV

14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.

 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 

16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 

17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 

18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 

19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 

21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 

22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 

23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 

25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 

27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 

28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 

30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Jesus' Parable Of The Talents References

Bailey, K. E. (2008). Jesus through Middle Eastern eyes: Cultural studies in the Gospels. IVP Academic.

Borowski, O. (2003). Daily life in Biblical times. Society of Biblical Literature.

Esler, P. F. (2004). Conflict and identity in Romans: The social setting of Paul's letter. Fortress Press.

Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2014). How to read the Bible for all its worth (4th ed.). Zondervan.

Freedman, D. N., Myers, A. C., & Beck, A. B. (Eds.). (2000). Eerdmans dictionary of the Bible. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.

Wright, N. T. (2006). Matthew for everyone, Part 2: Chapters 16-28. Westminster John Knox Press.