Persistence in Asking

The Point of the Gospel

The Sermon On the Mount con’t

Ask, Seek, Knock

{Luke} Jesus said, “Suppose one friend goes to another in the middle of the night and asks for bread to give a third friend who has stopped by on his journey, but he has nothing to give this traveler. The man inside his house has locked his door for the night and gone to bed, so refuses. Though he won’t do it as a friend, he does get up and give his friend what he wants due to the friend’s persistence in asking.”

{Matthew, Luke} “I say to you, ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened. Everyone who asks will receive. Which of you would give a stone to a child who asks for bread, a snake to one who asks for a fish, or a scorpion instead of an egg? If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children how much—{Matthew} more your Father will give good gifts to those who ask. Do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” {Luke} “If you give good things to your children, how much more your Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.”

Personal Thought: This passage always stands out to me. It does not say sit and listen to others telling you what to ask or search for. The kingdom of Heaven seems an interactive place. Ask, search, and knock on doors yourself to receive God’s gift. Other people, books, and the Bible are important sources as you seek knowledge and understanding, but the Holy Spirit comes only after directly asking God.