The story of friends at midnight (Luke 11: 5-13) - JSS1 Christian Religious Studies Past Questions and Answers - page 1

(Luke 11:5-13) And he said to them, “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.’ And he answers from within, ‘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.’ 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. “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 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!”

1. Relationship and Compassion:

Friend at Midnight: The parable illustrates that human friends might help us out of duty, and their willingness can be conditional.

Jesus: Jesus' friendship is unconditional and filled with compassion. He cares deeply for us and our well-being (John 10:14-15, 1 Peter 5:7).

2. Availability:

Friend at Midnight: The friend at midnight is not readily available and is reluctant to help initially due to the inconvenience of the hour.

Jesus: Jesus is always available and willing to help us at any time, day or night. He never sees our requests as an inconvenience (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5).

3. Willingness to Help:

Friend at Midnight: The friend at midnight helps out of obligation and because of the man’s persistence, not necessarily out of a willing heart.

Jesus: Jesus helps us out of love and compassion. He willingly meets our needs without us having to persistently beg (Matthew 7:7-11, John 15:13).

1. Self-Centered vs. Selflessness:

Friend at Midnight: The friend's initial reaction is self-centered, concerned about his own comfort and convenience.

Expectation from Christians: Christ teaches Christians to be selfless, putting the needs of others before their own comfort. We are called to serve others willingly and joyfully (Philippians 2:3-4, Mark 10:45).

2. Conditional Help vs. Unconditional Love:

Friend at Midnight: The help given is conditional, based on persistence and perhaps a sense of duty.

Expectation from Christians: Christ expects Christians to offer help unconditionally, without waiting for repeated requests or feeling pressured. Our actions should be motivated by genuine love and kindness (Matthew 5:42, Luke 6:35).

3. Reluctance vs. Willingness:

Friend at Midnight: The friend is initially reluctant to help and only responds after persistent asking.

Expectation from Christians: Christ expects Christians to be willing and ready to help others without reluctance. We should be eager to serve and support others, reflecting Jesus' love and compassion (Galatians 6:2, 1 John 3:17-18).

1. Christians should pray without ceasing

2. Christians should pray with boldness

3. God is always ready to answer our prayers

4. God is always ready to provide for all our needs when we ask of him

5. Anytime we ask God for something, He will give it to us, if we knock, he will open, if we seek we will find.

1. Deeper Love:

Responding to God's Love: Understanding God's immense care and love for us makes us want to love Him more in return. This deepens our emotional and spiritual connection with Him (1 John 4:19).

Gratitude: We become more grateful for His blessings and express our love through worship, prayer, and obedience (Psalm 100:4).

2. Increased Trust:

Confidence in God's Care: Knowing that God cares deeply for us helps us trust Him more. We can rely on Him in all situations, knowing He has our best interests at heart (1 Peter 5:7).

Less Worry: This trust reduces our worries and fears because we believe that God is in control and will take care of our needs (Matthew 6:25-34).