This week we resume our series from Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” recorded for us in Matthew 5-7. In Matthew 7:9-11 Jesus continues his teaching on prayer from the previous two verses. In Matthew 7:7-8 Jesus said we should ask, seek, and knock and those who do will receive, find, and have the door opened. Now Jesus continues by giving an example of earthly fathers. Earthly fathers, who are not good (in the sense that God is truly good), will not give something bad to their children when they make requests. How much more will your heavenly father who is truly good, give good gifts to His children who ask Him.
Jesus says something similar in Luke 11:11-13 though most scholars agree that was a different occasion, but the same principles are stated. Take some time this week and study Jesus’ words in Luke 11:11-13 as well as Matthew 7:9-11 as you seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Ask yourself what these verses show us about God’s heart? What do these verses show us about our position as God’s children? What kind of things count as “good gifts?”
Here are some other Scriptures to consider when studying these passages: Matthew 6:7; Luke 18:1-8; Luke 22:42; John 16:8; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6; James 4:1-3; James 5:13-16.
Praying everyone has a blessed week😊
In Christ,
Gary T.