Or what man is there of you , etc.? Or. Is not what I say true? or—if you think not—what man of you yourselves would act otherwise towards his own son? Our Lord appeals to the experience and natural feelings of his hearers themselves to emphasize the readiness of the Father—"your Father," whose nature you share, and from whom you derive your feelings of fatherhood ( Ephesians 3:15 )—to grant the prayers of his children. Observe: read more
Ask, and it shall be given you ... - There are here three different forms presented of seeking the things which we need from God - asking, ‘seeking, and knocking. The latter is taken from the act of knocking at a door for admittance. See Luke 13:25; Revelation 3:20. The phrases signify to seek with earnestness, diligence, and perseverance. The promise is, that what we seek shall be given us. It is of course implied that we seek with a proper spirit, with humility, sincerity, and perseverance.... read more
Matthew 7:7-11. Ask, &c. The exhortation contained in these verses may be considered as connected with the caution given in those immediately preceding, and then the sense of it will be, If you be at a loss to know who are and who are not proper subjects of reproof or admonition; or to whom you may with propriety speak of the higher truths of Christianity, even of those of experimental religion, and therefore want wisdom to guide you in these difficulties, ask, and it shall be given... read more
44. Prayers of request (Matthew 7:7-12; Luke 11:5-13)Jesus gave two illustrations to show his followers that they can put their requests to God confidently. Even a tired and uncooperative neighbour can be persuaded by a person’s persistence into giving him what he needs. How much more will God, who is a loving Father, supply all the needs of his children (Luke 11:5-10). Christians do not have to beg from a God who is unwilling to give. They go to God as children go to their father, confident... read more
Or what man is there of you, who, if his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone; or if he shall ask for a fish, will give him a serpent?Christ's argument here from the predictable conduct of men has strong overtones teaching the likeness between God and man. Of course, this is inherent in the fact that man was created in God's image (Genesis 1:27), and Jesus' words here show that something of God can be known by observing that which is highest and best in man. The basic kinship... read more
Matthew 7:9. Or what man, &c.— Is there any man among you? Blackwall. And indeed what one man is there among you? Doddridge; who observes upon this verse, "Young preachers I hope will remark, how much life and force it adds to these discourses of our Lord, that they are directed so closely through the whole of them, as an immediate address to his hearers; and are not loose and general harangues in the manner of those essays which have of late grown so fashionable in pulpits. If any are... read more
9. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread—a loaf. will he give him a stone?—round and smooth like such a loaf or cake as was much in use, but only to mock him. read more
The disciple’s relationship to God 7:7-12This section of verses brings the main body of the Sermon to a climactic conclusion. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 7:7-12
Prayer. From the subject of giving our Lord turns to that of asking. The text instructs us in— I. THE NATURE OF PRAYER . 1 . It is asking. 2 . It is seeking. 3 . It is knocking. II. THE ENCOURAGEMENT TO PRAY . 1 . In the promises of God. 2 . In the character of the promises. III. THE CONDITIONS OF PRAYER . 1 . These are given in the promises. 2 . They are embodied in the golden rule. 3 . Apply this rule. read more