In the first portion of this passage, Jesus tells his audience that anyone who asks, seeks, and knocks will get a response. Does that mean God just says yes to every request? We know that’s not the case. So what does Jesus mean here?
He compares this to an earthly father giving his children good gifts. We know that being a good parent and giving good gifts sometimes requires us to say no. Not everything our children ask of us is good, appropriate, or helpful. In his book on prayer, Tim Keller writes: “God will either give us what we ask for in prayer, or give us what we would have asked for if we knew everything he knows.”
We also know that people have free will, their decisions have consequences, and we live in a broken world where the impact of sin and death can’t always be avoided. This passage is not trying to describe a blank check that we have in prayer, but is more so describing the character of God as a good and loving father who gives good gifts.
The last verse of this passage is often referred to as The Golden Rule. What’s interesting is that the conjunction “therefore” suggests that The Golden Rule is a result or outcome of the preceding verses; it’s not a separate thought to be taken on its own.
There is a consistent theme of reciprocation throughout scripture. Be devoted to each other and honor each other above yourselves (Romans 12:10), bear with one another and forgive one another as Christ has forgiven us (Colossians 3:13), show hospitality to each other (1 Peter 4:9), live in harmony with each other (Romans 12:16). And perhaps most importantly, we’re repeatedly told to love each other.
How would you want to be treated in these situations? It’s often exactly how Jesus treats us!
When you’re in a new or uncomfortable environment, you want to be welcomed.
“Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” Romans 15:7
When you’ve sinned or made a mistake, you want to be restored gently.
“if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness” — Galatians 6:1
When the weight of life becomes too heavy, you want someone to help relieve the load.
“Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” - Galatians 6:2
Whether you’re celebrating or grieving, you want to share that with others.
“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” Romans 12:15
