Devotional Space for Grace | The Persistent Friend (Luke 11:5-13) | 12.7

[Jim]

December 7th THE PARABLES ​

The Persistent Friend (Luke 11:5-13) ​

---

Keep on asking for something to be given, and it will be given you. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on reverently knocking, and it shall be opened to you.

Luke 11:10, An Expanded Translation (Wuest) ​

---

Context: This illustration was part of Jesus’ instruction on prayer. People of the Middle East excel in hospitality even when guests arrive unexpectedly. Since homes of the poor might consist of only one large room; two-thirds being on ground level was reserved for the livestock, while the family would sleep on a raised low platform. Getting up would disturb the whole family, hence the man’s reluctance. However, his “do not bother me!” would be a violation of the social code and an insult to the entire village.


Meaning: Jesus is contrasting the reluctant response of the neighbour to that of God:

• • God does not sleep; we don’t have to pound at his door.
• • He is not merely a neighbour to a friend (vs 5) but a Father to his children (vs 11).
• • God knows our needs before we ask.
• • He does not become irritated but anxious to meet our every need.
• • The neighbour would pay back what he borrowed; God requires no repayment.
• • Luke 18, the parable of the widow and the judge has similar lessons – see section: Prayer (April 9th).

Application: Keep praying but always be aware that we are approaching an ever-caring powerful Father. It is not about our unrelenting requests but about Father’s unconditional grace. Luke 11:11-13 asks, “What Father would give his son a serpent and a scorpion?” We can say that God the Father gave his own Son the venomous poison of sin and the sting of death, causing Him to turn away from His Son. Why? So that He can turn to us with generous grace, giving Holy Spirit for us to enjoy true food at Father’s table (1 Cor 15:55-57).

______________________________


No Christian rises higher than his praying. ​