After warning against judging others, Jesus turns to one of the most encouraging promises in the Bible. He tells us to ask, seek and knock, and He assures us that our Father hears. Then He sums up the law and the prophets in one simple line, often called the golden rule. Maybe you have prayed about something for years and wondered if God is listening. Maybe you find it hard to treat others well when they do not treat you well. This passage speaks to both struggles with great tenderness.
Keep On Asking
Jesus says, "Ask, and it shall be given you" (Matthew 7:7-8). He continues: seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened. In the original language, these verbs carry the sense of continuing action. Keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. Prayer is not a one-time request but an ongoing conversation. Jesus told a parable about a widow who kept coming to an unjust judge until he gave her justice. He told it to teach that we ought always to pray and not to faint (Luke 18:1-8). God also promised His people that they would find Him when they searched for Him with all their heart (Jeremiah 29:13). Persistence in prayer is not nagging God. It is trusting Him enough to keep coming back.
What is one long-standing prayer request you have stopped praying about, and how will you pick it up again this week?
A Father Who Gives Good Gifts
Jesus then asks a simple question (Matthew 7:9-11). If your son asks for bread, would you give him a stone? If he asks for a fish, would you give him a serpent? Even sinful parents know how to give good gifts to their children. How much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him? This does not mean God gives us everything we demand. A good father sometimes says no or not yet, because he sees what we cannot see. In Luke, Jesus says the Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13). That is the best gift of all. James reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights (James 1:17). We can trust His answers.
What answer from God, even a no or a not yet, can you thank Him for this week as a good gift?
The Golden Rule
Jesus then gives what we call the golden rule: whatever you want people to do to you, do the same to them, for this is the law and the prophets (Matthew 7:12). Many teachers had a negative form of this saying, like do not do to others what you would hate. Jesus makes it active. Do not just avoid harm. Go and do good. Notice the word therefore. Because God treats us so generously, we treat others generously too. Paul says that love works no ill to a neighbor, so love is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:8-10). He also says the whole law is fulfilled in one word: love your neighbor as yourself (Galatians 5:14). Think about how you like to be greeted, listened to and forgiven. Then give that first.
Think of one person who frustrates you; what kindness would you want in their place, and when will you offer it this week?
Conclusion
Jesus invites us to keep asking, seeking and knocking, because our Father is good and loves to give good gifts. Then He sends us out to treat others the way we would want to be treated. Prayer and love belong together. We receive from God, and we pour out to people. The greatest proof of the Father’s goodness is Jesus Himself. If God gave His Son for us, we can trust Him with every request and every relationship.
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