Definition of Parable:
The word
signifies in general a comparison, or a parallel, by which one thing is used to
illustrate another. It is a likeness taken from the sphere of real, or
sensible, or earthly incidents, in order to convey an ideal, or spiritual, or
heavenly meaning. As uttering one thing and signifying something else, it is in
the nature of a riddle and has therefore a light and a dark side, it is
intended to stir curiosity and calls for intelligence in the listener. The
derivation of the Hebrew is unknown.
Parable of the Son's Request
Luke 11:5-13 (Matthew
7:9-11)
And he said
to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say
to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has arrived on a
journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and he will answer from within,
`Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I
cannot get up and give you anything'? I tell you, though he will not get up and
give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he
will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, Ask, and it will be
given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For
every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it
will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead
of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a
scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your
children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those
who ask him!"
Explanation/Meaning:
Jesus' illustrations of food and hospitality tell us something about the generosity of a loving God towards his people. What can we expect from God, especially when we recognize that he doesn't owe us anything and that we don't deserve his grace and favor? In the first parable we see how a neighbor is coerced into giving his friend what he needs to meet the demands of hospitality. The second parable of the father feeding his son illustrates the unthinkable! How could a loving father refuse to give his son what is good; or worse, to give him what is harmful? In conclusion Jesus makes a startling claim: How much more will the heavenly Father give to those who ask! Our heavenly Father graciously gives beyond our expectations. That is why we can boldly pray: Give us this day our daily bread. Do you pray with confident expectation that your heavenly Father will give you what you need to live and serve him?
Jesus' illustrations of food and hospitality tell us something about the generosity of a loving God towards his people. What can we expect from God, especially when we recognize that he doesn't owe us anything and that we don't deserve his grace and favor? In the first parable we see how a neighbor is coerced into giving his friend what he needs to meet the demands of hospitality. The second parable of the father feeding his son illustrates the unthinkable! How could a loving father refuse to give his son what is good; or worse, to give him what is harmful? In conclusion Jesus makes a startling claim: How much more will the heavenly Father give to those who ask! Our heavenly Father graciously gives beyond our expectations. That is why we can boldly pray: Give us this day our daily bread. Do you pray with confident expectation that your heavenly Father will give you what you need to live and serve him?
"Heavenly Father, your grace knows no
bounds, for you are merciful, gracious and kind. May I never doubt your love nor hesitate to
seek you with confidence in order to obtain the gifts, graces, and daily
provision I need to live as your disciple and child."
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