Notes on Luke 11:8-13:9

Luke 11:8

shameless persistence. A word which means impudence, audacious boldness, or shameless presumption. All of this is seen in the man's late-night request. Jesus contrasts the sleeping friend with God (vv. 10-13). He never sleeps and is always willing to give good gifts to his people (v. 13; Ps. 34:4-10). Therefore, his people ought to ask boldly and shamelessly for good gifts in prayer. Such prayers show dependence on God and belief that he will answer.

Luke 11:9-13

See HC 116, 120

Luke 11:9-10

ask . . . seek . . . knock. All terms for making requests to God. They indicate a continuous action. (1 Thess. 5:17). Asking is praying (11:10, 13; John 11:22; Eph. 3:20). Seeking is the pursuit of God and his will (13:24; Deut. 4:29; Ps. 105:4; Jer. 29:12-14). Knocking is a picture of entering God's presence (12:36; 13:25). given . . . find . . . opened. God is not like the sleeping neighbor (v. 7). He is pleased to answer bold, persistent prayers (v. 8). Not all prayers are answered (Jam. 4:3). They must be in line with Jesus' character and instruction so that God is glorified (John 14:13-14; 15:16). Thus, Christians should offer kingdom-centered requests (vv. 2-4; 10:2; 12:22-34; Matt. 6:33).

Luke 11:11-13

Jesus encouraged shameless, persistent, kingdom prayers (vv. 8-10) based on God's generosity. He is far superior to any human Father. Thus, we have no need to fear he will withhold any good thing (see Rom. 8:32; Jam. 1:17).

Luke 11:13

evil. Jesus assumed the sinful nature of humanity (Gen. 3; Rom. 3:10-23; 5:12-14). This does not mean people are as bad as they could be, or that they always act wickedly. Holy Spirit. God the Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity. Father gives his Spirit to his people when they put faith in Christ (John 14:16; 15:26; Acts 1:8; 2:38). He is the One the Father sends to convict us of sin, to bring understanding of the gospel, and produce faith in our hearts towards God (John 1:12-13; 3:5; 1 Pet. 1:3). It is by the Spirit that they call out to God in prayer as Father (Gal. 4:6-7). give. Christians do not get more of the Spirit over time. But they can be more sensitive to his presence. Believers can hinder his work by sin (Eph. 4:30) or yield more to his work by responding to Scripture (Eph. 4:30; 6:17; Heb. 4:11-13). God's people should ask for the Spirit's active presence in their lives (see John 14:13-14; Rom. 8:13, 16; Gal. 5:22-25). He is the best gift the Father can give to Jesus' disciples. See WLC 189, 196; WSC 100; BC 7.

Increasing Conflict - Luke 11:14-13:9

Jesus demonstrated his authority and power over evil spiritual forces and brought relief to those suffering.

Luke 11:14

mute. Not the demon, but the man who affected by the demon.

Luke 11:15

Beelzebul. Ancient name for a pagan deity. The term is used in the Old Testament (2 Kgs. 1:2, 6) as well as in the secular literature. Eventually, the Jews used this name for one of the chief demons, or as here, Satan, the ruler of demons. driving out. Jesus' critics did not deny his power over demons. They spoke blasphemously about the source of his power.

Luke 11:16

Even miracles will not overcome hardness of an unbelieving heart (see 16:26-31; Exod. 8:9; Matt. 28:11-15).

Luke 11:17-18

knew. See note on 6:8. divided. Both countries (kingdom) and families (house) cannot survive internal fighting. Likewise, Satan would not work against his own purposes.

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