Knocking on Doors

Luke 11:9-13 is part of a larger passage in the Gospel of Luke where Jesus teaches his disciples about prayer. In this particular section, Jesus encourages his followers to persistently ask, seek, and knock in prayer, assuring them that God will respond to their requests.

The metaphors used in these verses help convey deeper meanings and insights:

1. “Ask, and it will be given to you”: This metaphor emphasizes the importance of prayer and making our requests known to God. It encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is a generous giver who delights in meeting our needs.
2. “Seek, and you will find”: By using the metaphor of seeking, Jesus emphasizes the importance of actively pursuing a deeper relationship with God. It encourages believers to search for God’s wisdom, guidance, and truth, and assures them that their efforts will not be in vain.
3. “Knock, and it will be opened to you”: This metaphor signifies the act of persistently and fervently seeking God’s presence and intervention. It emphasizes the need for determination and perseverance in prayer, trusting that God will open doors of opportunity and provide access to His blessings.
4. The father giving good gifts: Jesus draws a parallel between earthly fathers who desire to give good things to their children and the heavenly Father who desires to give even greater gifts. This metaphor emphasizes the goodness and generosity of God. It reassures believers that God knows their needs and is eager to bless them according to His perfect wisdom and love.
5. The comparison of a fish and a serpent, an egg and a scorpion: These metaphors highlight the contrast between the desires of a loving earthly father and the heavenly Father. It emphasizes that God, being infinitely more loving and wise, will always provide what is good and beneficial for His children. It assures believers that they can trust God’s intentions and rely on His provision.

Overall, this passage encourages believers to approach God in prayer with persistence, confidence, and trust. It reassures them of God’s willingness to listen, respond, and provide for their needs, just as a loving father would care for his children. It also emphasizes the importance of seeking a deeper relationship with God and relying on His guidance and wisdom in every aspect of life.