What does "how much more" reveal about God's nature compared to human parents? Setting the Scene: Jesus’ Words in Matthew 7:11 “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 ask Him!” What “How Much More” Tells Us About God’s Nature • Absolute moral purity – Human parents are called “evil,” yet even they recognize the goodness of providing for their children. – By contrast, the Father’s goodness is perfect and untainted (Psalm 18:30; James 1:17). • Infinite generosity – Parents give gifts within limits—time, money, energy. – God’s storehouse is limitless; His giving is restrained only by His wise will (Philippians 4:19). • Unmatched wisdom – Parents sometimes misjudge what is truly beneficial. – The Father always knows what is ultimately “good” (Romans 8:28; Isaiah 55:8-9). • Steadfast reliability – Even caring parents can fail or disappoint. – God’s faithfulness never wavers (Lamentations 3:22-23). • Readiness to bless those who ask – Children often ask repeatedly before parents respond. – God is predisposed to bless at the first sincere request (Jeremiah 33:3; Luke 18:7-8). How the Comparison Strengthens Our Trust 1. From lesser to greater: if fallible parents still provide, the perfect Father certainly will. 2. Assurance in prayer: we approach a Father eager to give, not reluctant (Hebrews 4:16). 3. Expectation of “good things”: the Father’s gifts align with His character and our ultimate welfare (Ephesians 3:20). Cross-References That Echo “How Much More” • Luke 11:13 — the Father gives the Holy Spirit, the greatest gift. • Romans 5:8-10 — if God loved us while we were sinners, “how much more” will He save and keep us. • Romans 8:32 — having given His Son, “how will He not also… graciously give us all things?” Living It Out • Come confidently, not hesitantly. • Measure earthly love by the Father’s perfect standard. • Expect His answers to align with eternal good, even when different from immediate desires. |
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