◄ What Does Matthew 7:11 Mean? ►

The Lord's teaching in His extended 'Sermon on the Mount', gives step-by-step information to believers on true discipleship, followed by structured teaching on how to live such a life. It touches on things to avoid like anger and adultery, and the correct way to fast and pray. It teaches about charitable giving, and the right attitude towards one's possessions.

It provides training for Christians in acceptable (or unacceptable) behaviour, character and conduct that is pleasing to God, various forms of relationships, and theological principles by which to abide. And in Chapter 7, Jesus leads us from the dangers of developing a critical spirit, to what has been universally termed 'The Golden Rule': "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."

The whole of His 'Sermon on the Mount' is directed towards the believer, rather than the non-believer. It systematically lays out principles on how to live righteously in the sight of God, and in chapter 7 verse 11, Jesus demonstrates the incredible goodness of our perfect God towards His children by comparing it with the care and concern a human parent has towards their own offspring.

He reasons that IF a human parent who is a fallen being, is capable of caring for their children and giving them good things, HOW MUCH MORE will our Heavenly Father show consideration for His children, and bestow good things on them: "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him?"

In this passage, the Lord is arguing from the lesser to the greater, from the imperfect to the perfect. IF a fallen human parent, who has a sin nature is capable of showing love, care, and consideration to their child who asks them for something, how much more will our holy, Heavenly Father Who loves us with an everlasting love, bestow His gifts and graces on His blood-bought children?

Throughout the Word of God, we are reminded of His great love toward us; a never-failing love that passes human comprehension. Initially, we read that He loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son to become the sacrifice for our sin. But once saved by grace through faith in Him, we are reminded of the great love the Father has lavished on each of us, that we should be called children of God.

And just as a child trusts his parents to give him good things, so those of us who are God's children have to trust our Heavenly Father to give good things to us. Earlier in His 'Sermon on the Mount', the Lord Jesus reminded us that we are to ASK God for the things we need and to keep on asking, because He is a good and gracious Father to His children and has promised to provide all we need.

"Keep asking," He told His disciples, "and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened for you. Because everyone who keeps asking will receive. The person who keeps searching will find, and one that keeps knocking will have the door opened." And to explain the great generosity of our Heavenly Father, the Lord Jesus drew this comparison: "There isn't a person among you who would give his son a stone if he asked for bread, is there? Or if he asks for a fish, he wouldn't give him a snake, would he? NO! So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who keep on asking him?" 

But how often do we forget to ask Him? How frequently do we tire of asking, when the answer seems long in coming? We KNOW that all good and perfect things come to us from our Father Who loves and cares for each one of us with an everlasting love. Let us not listen to the lies of the enemy, but prove our faith in HIM and stand fast on the word of TRUTH, by asking God for all we need and expecting Him to answer.

Lord, how privileged I am that You are my Heavenly Father Who loves each one of Your children with an everlasting love and provides all we need, according to Your riches in glory. Thank You that You loved me enough to send Jesus to die for my sins, and that You delight to give good gifts to Your children. Lord, I know too often I have tried to provide for my own needs without asking You, or I have lost faith and stopped seeking You when an answer is delayed. I realise how this must sadden Your heart. Thank You that You have provided over and above all that I could ask or think, not only in this world but in the ages to come. This I pray in Jesus' name, AMEN.