What does "a friend of mine has come" teach about readiness to serve others? Today's Passage “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine has come to me on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him,” and the one inside answers, “Do not bother me; the door is already shut, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything”? I tell you, even though he will not get up to give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s persistence he will rise and give him as much as he needs.’” (Luke 11:5-8) Immediate Context • Follows Jesus’ model prayer (Luke 11:2-4), showing how our attitude toward God shapes our attitude toward others. • Jesus uses an everyday scene—midnight hospitality—to teach both about prayer and about practical neighbor-love. • The key request—“a friend of mine has come”—highlights an urgent need that cannot wait until morning. Key Phrase: “A friend of mine has come” • Indicates an unexpected arrival, forcing a decision: ignore the need or respond. • Reveals the host’s sense of personal responsibility: “my” friend, “my” obligation. • Expresses urgency; in first-century culture, providing food was a non-negotiable duty of honor. Lessons on Readiness to Serve Others • Readiness means expecting interruptions – True service rarely happens when convenient (cf. 2 Timothy 4:2 “be ready in season and out of season”). – Midnight knocks test whether love is genuine or merely theoretical. • Readiness grows from a heart of hospitality – Hebrews 13:2: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels without knowing it.” – The host’s first thought is not self-protection but provision. • Readiness recognizes personal stewardship – Galatians 6:2: “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – He does not shift blame to the traveler for poor planning; he assumes the cost. • Readiness acts before resources seem adequate – “I have nothing to set before him” drives the host to seek help, not to excuse inaction. – 2 Corinthians 9:8 assures that God supplies what is lacking when hearts are willing. • Readiness includes humble dependence on community – Asking another neighbor for bread shows that serving others is often a team effort. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 underscores the strength of partnership in meeting needs. • Readiness persists despite reluctance encountered – The inside friend resists, yet persistence prevails; love keeps knocking. – Romans 12:13: “Contribute to the needs of the saints and practice hospitality.” Persistence turns command into concrete action. Putting It into Practice • Keep margin in time and resources so unexpected needs can be met quickly. • View every interruption as a potential divine appointment rather than a nuisance. • Maintain simple supplies—extra meals, spare linens, emergency funds—to meet sudden requests. • Cultivate relationships within the church family so mutual aid can happen at any hour. • When personal resources fall short, don’t hesitate to ask trusted believers for help; collective readiness multiplies impact. |
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