In Luke 11:5-8 Jesus tells this parable of the friend in need in order to communicate the importance of being persistent in prayer. Very similar to this parable is the Parable of the Persistent Widow and Unjust Judge. In the background, Jesus was praying at a certain place. After finishing praying one of his disciples asked him to teach them to pray as well. The Lord taught the Lord’s Prayer. (Luke 11:1-4). After this, the Lord tells the parable.
Jesus says, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.'" (Luke 11:5-6). The friend answers with, "Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything." (Luke 11:7). Jesus then makes his point, "I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.” (Luke 11:8)
Hospitality was of paramount importance with the Jews. A man caught unprepared for his guest would be in a very embarrassing and shameful position. It is for this reason that he approaches his friend for bread. Knowing fully well that the market would be closed, he had only one option and that was to trouble his friend. This was also the reason for his persistence and boldness. The Lord further explains that because of his importunity he will give him as much bread as he needs. This is what Jesus is saying should be our attitude as we approach the throne of grace. We should come with confident boldness that persists in pursuing God until He grants us mercy and grace. Hebrews 4:16 “Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Jesus then immediately relates this parable to prayer, saying the famous Ask, Seek, Knock passage. Jesus tells us to ask and keep on asking (Matthew 7:7), and whatever we ask in God’s will is assured to us. He had just taught the disciples to pray the Lord’s Prayer, which includes the phrase “Your will be done” (Luke 11:2). So, putting it all together, we see that we are to be persistent in asking for God to work in our lives and answer our prayers according to His perfect will. This is a solemn promise by the Lord when He says in verse 10 “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
The Lord further assures the strength and import of His statement. Jesus goes on to say, "Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give 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!" (Luke 11:11-12)
If we look back to Genesis where Jacob wrestles with the lord. They wrestled till daybreak. Genesis 32:26 “And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” The tenacity of Jacob paid and, in the end, he is blessed.
Jesus is telling us to pray persistently and shamelessly and also to pray expectantly James 1:17. “every good gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change”.
Dr. Ashwin Drummond