What is the meaning of Luke 11:5? Then Jesus said to them – Jesus has just finished giving the pattern of prayer (Luke 11:2-4). Now He immediately applies it with a parable, showing that His teaching is meant for real-life use, not theory. – The speaker is the Lord Himself; therefore the instruction carries divine authority (Matthew 7:24-25). – “Them” points to the disciples, but Luke records it so every believer can take the lesson personally (John 17:20). – This bridge from the Lord’s Prayer to the parable ties asking God for “daily bread” (Luke 11:3) to the confidence we should have in doing so (Hebrews 4:16). Suppose one of you goes to his friend at midnight – Midnight is inconvenient; the story begins with need at the worst possible hour. That underscores persistence (Luke 18:1-8) and reminds us that God is never off duty (Psalm 121:4). – The seeker approaches “his friend,” highlighting relationship. We come to a Father who “knows what you need before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8). – In first-century homes the whole family slept on a single mat; disturbance meant everyone woke up. The detail magnifies the cost of answering and, by contrast, the willingness of God to attend to His children (Isaiah 65:24). – Practical takeaways: • When needs arise at the worst time, pray anyway. • Friendship with God is intended to be used, not admired from afar (James 2:23). and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread’ – “Lend” shows reliance. The petitioner has nothing suitable on hand—mirroring our dependence on God for every good gift (James 1:17). – “Three loaves” is an ordinary request, not a banquet. God invites us to bring everyday needs, not just emergencies (Philippians 4:6). – Bread echoes the Lord’s Prayer (“Give us each day our daily bread,” Luke 11:3) and ultimately points to Christ Himself, “the bread of life” (John 6:35). – The unfailing supply behind the friend’s pantry pictures the Father’s readiness: “If you then…know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give…” (Luke 11:13). summary Luke 11:5 begins a parable meant to assure believers that God welcomes bold, persistent prayer. The midnight visit stresses urgency; the friendship highlights access; the request for simple bread underlines daily dependence. Taken literally and at face value, the verse sets the stage for Jesus to show that, far from being an irritated neighbor, the heavenly Father is eager to meet the needs of His children—no matter how late the hour or how small the request. |
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