MPV Commentary

1. The disciples were struck by Jesus' prayers and asked him to teach them how to pray.

It is possible that they had not heard his Sermon on the Mount, as their reference to John suggests. However, we know nothing of John's inner teachings to his own disciples, but it is unlikely he taught them to say "Our Father."

2-4. (See Matthew 6:9-13 for a similar passage.)

3. Jesus teaches us to ask God for our daily needs, not just for today, but every day. The closing doxology, which is found in Matthew's Gospel, is missing here. It may be that Jesus intentionally left it out, and the familiar Jewish doxologies were incorporated into Christian worship.

5-8. At midnight, a friend comes to ask for bread, an unseasonable hour for a visit. The friend is not just asking for help but also making a claim on their relationship. The neighbor's reluctance to help is rooted in their own self-indulgence and deafness to the friend's needs.

If even an unwilling neighbor can be persuaded to help after repeated requests, how much more will God respond to our persistent prayers? He is rich in resources and willing to give generously to those who call on him (Romans 10:12).

9-13. (See Matthew 7:7-11 for a similar passage.)

13. The Holy Spirit is the greatest gift of all, given to the church through Christ and encompassing all other good gifts.