This passage reveals how important it is to understand context when interpreting Scripture. Is Jesus saying everybody who asks for something from God will get it? Or is it saying if you don't receive what you asked for, then you must have done something wrong or you just didn't ask in the right way? Or is there another lesson here? Let's dig in and find out!!!
Matthew 7:7-11
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ I was taught to always read at least a few verses before and after a section of Scripture to gauge context. Here, you may have to go back a few chapters. What is the context of these particular verses?
+ How do these verses tie in with Jesus' teaching on prayer in Matthew 6:5-15?
+ What do you receive when you ask? What do you find when you seek? What is open to you when you knock? Who is "you" referring to in these verses? BONUS QUESTION: Does God hear and answer the prayers of non-believers?
+ What does the image of a door mean to you in the context of prayer, both good and bad?
+ What does the comparison to an earthly father tells us about the Heavenly Father in verses 9-11?
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ God promises an answer to the one who diligently seeks Him. Many of our passionless prayers are not answered for good reason, because it is almost as if we ask God to care about something we care little or nothing about. God values persistence and passion in prayer because they show that we share His heart. It shows that we care about the things He cares about. Persistent prayer does not overcome God’s stubborn reluctance; it gives glory to Him, expresses dependence upon Him, and aligns our heart more with His. (David Guzik 2018) Heavenly Father, forgive me for my self-centeredness. Help me to love and care about others as You do!!! I am sure this will improve my persistence and passion in prayer. Amen.
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?