The Context of Luke 11 NLT
The eleventh chapter of the Gospel of Luke in the New Living Translation (NLT) is one of the most significant chapters in the Bible that talks about the power of prayer. The chapter begins with Jesus teaching his disciples how to pray, which is commonly known as the Lord’s Prayer. Following this, Jesus talks about the importance of persistence in prayer and how it can lead to miraculous answers. Let’s dive deeper into this powerful chapter and explore its lessons.
Jesus Teaches His Disciples How to Pray
In verses 1-4, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. This is where the Lord’s Prayer comes from, which is arguably one of the most well-known prayers in the world. Jesus emphasizes the importance of addressing God as a father and asking for His will to be done on earth. The Lord’s Prayer is an excellent model for us to follow when we pray.
The Importance of Persistence in Prayer
In verses 5-10, Jesus tells a parable of a persistent friend who goes to another friend’s house at midnight to borrow some bread. The friend refuses to get up and help, but the persistent friend keeps knocking until he gets what he needs. Jesus uses this parable to teach his disciples about the importance of persistence in prayer. He says that if we keep asking, seeking, and knocking, God will answer our prayers.
The Power of Prayer
In verses 11-13, Jesus talks about the power of prayer. He says that if earthly fathers know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more will our Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! This is a powerful reminder that God wants to bless us with good things, and prayer is the key to unlocking those blessings.
Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees
In verses 37-54, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and lack of faith. He tells them that they are like whitewashed tombs that look good on the outside but are full of dead bones inside. Jesus’ rebuke is a reminder that it’s not enough to look good on the outside; we must have faith in our hearts and live accordingly.
Conclusion
Luke 11 NLT is a powerful chapter that teaches us about the importance of prayer, persistence, and faith. Jesus’ teachings in this chapter are just as relevant today as they were when he spoke them. As we seek to grow in our relationship with God, let’s remember the lessons of Luke 11 NLT and apply them to our lives. May we be people of prayer, persistence, and faith, and may God bless us abundantly as we seek Him with our whole hearts.