Luke 11
BSB1 One day in a place where Jesus had just finished praying, one of His disciples requested, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." 2 So Jesus told them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. ‘" 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose one of you goes to his friend at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 because a friend of mine has come to me on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Do not bother me. My door is already shut, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up to provide for him because of his friendship, yet because of the man’s persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 9 So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" 14 One day Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. And when the demon was gone, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowds were amazed, 15 but some of them said, “It is by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons, that He drives out demons." 16 And others tested Him by demanding a sign from heaven. 17 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and a house divided against a house will fall. 18 If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? After all, you say that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. 19 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his possessions are secure. 22 But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted, and then he divides up his plunder. 23 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. 24 When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ 25 On its return, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. 26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first." 27 As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and blessed are the breasts that nursed You!" 28 But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." 29 As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation. 31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here. 33 No one lights a lamp and puts it in a cellar or under a basket. Instead, he sets it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body is full of darkness. 35 Be careful, then, that the light within you is not darkness. 36 So if your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, you will be radiant, as though a lamp were shining on you." 37 As Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited Him to dine with him; so He went in and reclined at the table. 38 But the Pharisee was surprised to see that Jesus did not first wash before the meal. 39 “Now then,” said the Lord, “you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40 You fools! Did not the One who made the outside make the inside as well? 41 But give as alms the things that are within you, and you will see that everything is clean for you. 42 Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! You love the chief seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces. 44 Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without even noticing." 45 One of the experts in the law told Him, “Teacher, when You say these things, You insult us as well." 46 “Woe to you as well, experts in the law!” He replied. “You weigh men down with heavy burdens, but you yourselves will not lift a finger to lighten their load. 47 Woe to you! You build tombs for the prophets, but it was your fathers who killed them. 48 So you are witnesses consenting to the deeds of your fathers: They killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. 49 Because of this, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles; some of them they will kill and others they will persecute.’ 50 As a result, this generation will be charged with the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the foundation of the world, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation. 52 Woe to you experts in the law! For you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering." 53 As Jesus went on from there, the scribes and Pharisees began to oppose Him bitterly and to ply Him with questions about many things, 54 waiting to catch Him in something He might say.
Study Notes — Luke 11
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Luke 11
- Themes from Luke 11
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Luke 11
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Luke 11 begins with Jesus teaching his disciples how to pray, using the Lord's Prayer as a model (Luke 11:1-4). He then tells a parable about a friend who comes to another's house at midnight, emphasizing the importance of persistence in prayer (Luke 11:5-8). Jesus also teaches about the importance of seeking God's will and living a life of faith, using the example of a tree that is known by its fruit (Luke 11:9-13). The chapter also includes a section on the return of an unclean spirit, which serves as a warning against the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking spiritual protection (Luke 11:14-26). Finally, Jesus teaches about the importance of living a life of obedience to God, using the example of a lamp that is placed on a stand to give light to all (Luke 11:27-36).
Context for the Chapter
Luke 11 is part of the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Luke. The chapter follows Jesus' teachings on the cost of discipleship and the importance of living a life of faith and obedience to God. The chapter also looks forward to Jesus' eventual death and resurrection, which will provide the ultimate example of obedience to God.
Heart Application
As believers, we are called to prioritize prayer and seek God's will in our lives. We must also be mindful of the dangers of sin and seek spiritual protection through faith in Christ. By living a life of obedience to God, we can reflect the light of Christ to a world in need.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Luke 11 teaches us about the importance of prayer and faith in our lives. Jesus shows us how to pray effectively and emphasizes the need for persistence and trust in God's goodness. As we seek to follow Christ, we must prioritize prayer and live a life of obedience to God, reflecting the light of Christ to a world in need (Luke 11:1-4, 27-36).
Voices from the Church
“Prayer is not a preparation for the battle, but the battle itself.”
— Martin Luther
“The prayer of faith is the triumph of God's mighty power.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The Lord's Prayer (Luke 11:1-4) — Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray using the Lord's Prayer as a model.
- The Parable of the Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-8) — Jesus teaches about the importance of persistence in prayer.
- The Parable of the Tree and Its Fruit (Luke 11:9-13) — Jesus emphasizes the importance of living a life of obedience to God.
- The Return of an Unclean Spirit (Luke 11:14-26) — Jesus teaches about the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking spiritual protection.
- The Lamp on a Stand (Luke 11:27-36) — Jesus teaches about the importance of living a life of obedience to God and reflecting the light of Christ to a world in need.
Core Doctrines
- Prayer
- Luke 11 emphasizes the importance of prayer in the Christian life, teaching that it is a means of seeking God's will and living a life of faith.
- Faith
- Faith is portrayed as a crucial aspect of the Christian life, necessary for living a life of obedience to God.
- The Nature of God
- The chapter highlights God's character as a loving Father who desires to give good gifts to his children.
- The Importance of Obedience
- Luke 11 teaches that living a life of obedience to God is crucial, and that this is only possible through faith in Christ.
Lessons from Luke 11
- The Importance of Prioritizing Prayer — Luke 11 emphasizes the need to prioritize prayer in our lives, seeking God's will and living a life of faith.
- The Dangers of Sin — The chapter teaches about the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking spiritual protection through faith in Christ.
- The Importance of Obedience — Jesus teaches that living a life of obedience to God is crucial, and that this is only possible through faith in Christ.
- The Importance of Reflecting the Light of Christ — Luke 11 teaches that we must reflect the light of Christ to a world in need, living a life of obedience to God and prioritizing prayer.
- The Need for Persistence in Prayer — Jesus teaches about the importance of persistence in prayer, using the example of a friend who comes to another's house at midnight.
Themes from Luke 11
- Prayer and Faith — Luke 11 emphasizes the importance of prayer and faith in the Christian life.
- The Nature of God — The chapter highlights God's character as a loving Father who desires to give good gifts to his children.
- The Importance of Obedience — Jesus teaches that living a life of obedience to God is crucial, and that this is only possible through faith in Christ.
- The Dangers of Sin — The chapter teaches about the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking spiritual protection through faith in Christ.
- The Importance of Reflecting the Light of Christ — Luke 11 teaches that we must reflect the light of Christ to a world in need, living a life of obedience to God and prioritizing prayer.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Jesus teach about the importance of prayer in Luke 11?
- How does Jesus' teaching on persistence in prayer relate to your own prayer life?
- What does the parable of the tree and its fruit teach about the importance of living a life of obedience to God?
- How does the return of an unclean spirit serve as a warning against the dangers of sin?
- What does Jesus' teaching on the lamp on a stand teach about the importance of reflecting the light of Christ to a world in need?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Lord's Prayer (Luke 11:1-4)
| Luke 11:1 | Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray using the Lord's Prayer as a model. |
| Luke 11:2 | The Lord's Prayer includes praise, petition, and forgiveness. |
2. The Parable of the Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-8)
| Luke 11:5 | Jesus teaches about the importance of persistence in prayer. |
| Luke 11:6 | The parable emphasizes the need to approach God with confidence and trust in his goodness. |
3. The Parable of the Tree and Its Fruit (Luke 11:9-13)
| Luke 11:9 | Jesus teaches about the importance of living a life of obedience to God. |
| Luke 11:10 | The parable emphasizes the need to seek God's will and live a life of faith. |
4. The Return of an Unclean Spirit (Luke 11:14-26)
| Luke 11:14 | Jesus teaches about the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking spiritual protection. |
| Luke 11:15 | The return of an unclean spirit serves as a warning against the dangers of sin. |
5. The Lamp on a Stand (Luke 11:27-36)
| Luke 11:27 | Jesus teaches about the importance of living a life of obedience to God and reflecting the light of Christ to a world in need. |
| Luke 11:28 | The chapter concludes with an emphasis on the importance of faith and obedience in the Christian life. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Lord's Prayer in Luke 11?
The Lord's Prayer serves as a model for how to pray effectively, emphasizing praise, petition, and forgiveness (Luke 11:1-4).
What does the parable of the friend at midnight teach about prayer?
The parable teaches about the importance of persistence in prayer, approaching God with confidence and trust in his goodness (Luke 11:5-8).
What is the warning against the dangers of sin in Luke 11?
The return of an unclean spirit serves as a warning against the dangers of sin, emphasizing the importance of seeking spiritual protection through faith in Christ (Luke 11:14-26).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 11:1 → Matthew 6:9-13 | The Lord's Prayer is also recorded in Matthew 6:9-13, emphasizing the importance of prayer in the Christian life. |
| 2 | Luke 11:5 → Genesis 18:1-8 | The parable of the friend at midnight is reminiscent of Abraham's hospitality to the three strangers in Genesis 18:1-8. |
| 3 | Luke 11:9 → Matthew 7:15-20 | The parable of the tree and its fruit is similar to the teaching in Matthew 7:15-20, emphasizing the importance of living a life of obedience to God. |
| 4 | Luke 11:14 → Matthew 12:22-32 | The return of an unclean spirit is similar to the teaching in Matthew 12:22-32, emphasizing the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking spiritual protection. |
| 5 | Luke 11:27 → John 8:12 | The lamp on a stand is reminiscent of Jesus' teaching in John 8:12, emphasizing the importance of reflecting the light of Christ to a world in need. |
| 6 | Luke 11:1 → Psalm 42:1-2 | The Lord's Prayer is similar to the psalmist's cry for help in Psalm 42:1-2, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's presence in times of need. |
| 7 | Luke 11:5 → 1 Thessalonians 5:17 | The parable of the friend at midnight is similar to the teaching in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, emphasizing the importance of praying without ceasing. |
| 8 | Luke 11:9 → Jeremiah 17:7-8 | The parable of the tree and its fruit is similar to the teaching in Jeremiah 17:7-8, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's goodness and living a life of obedience. |
| 9 | Luke 11:14 → Ephesians 6:10-18 | The return of an unclean spirit is similar to the teaching in Ephesians 6:10-18, emphasizing the importance of seeking spiritual protection through faith in Christ. |
| 10 | Luke 11:27 → 2 Corinthians 4:6 | The lamp on a stand is reminiscent of the teaching in 2 Corinthians 4:6, emphasizing the importance of reflecting the light of Christ to a world in need. |
Sermons on Luke 11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Crucial Priority of a Minister by Gbile Akanni | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and the secret place in the life of a believer. He highlights the need for believers to be diligent in their prayer |
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(The Mission and Ministry of the Holy Spirit) the Power of the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He encourages the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with Jes |
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No Man Is Greater Than His Prayer Life by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of Elijah, whom he considers one of the greatest men in history. He highlights the miraculous events and accomplishments of Elijah, s |
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The Anointing of the Holy Spirit by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the transformative power of God's mercy and grace. He shares a personal experience of being freed from chains and following God. The speaker |
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Principle of Prayer by Adrian Rogers | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of persistent prayer. He uses the story of a man who goes to his friend's house at midnight to ask for three loaves of bread. |
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(Deeper Waters) Session 4 - Prayer by David Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of serving God and the different areas of ministry. He emphasizes the importance of worship as the first priority in serving God. |
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Lend Me Your Life by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of the church waking up from its comfortable and complacent state. He uses the analogy of God knocking on the door of a sleeping |
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A Cry Without a Voice by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his grandchildren and the importance of intercessory prayer in bringing our loved ones to Jesus. He emphasizes that there |
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Abiding in Christ by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the life of Moses and how God used him despite his mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and the study of God's word for preache |
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The Path to Power and Usefulness by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of presenting ourselves to God in order to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. He uses the analogy of a bread line, wher |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Luke 11
In Luke 11, Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of prayer and faith, using the Lord's Prayer as a model. He emphasizes the need for persistence in prayer, approaching God with confidence and trust in his goodness. The chapter also includes a warning against the dangers of sin, emphasizing the importance of seeking spiritual protection through faith in Christ. As Matthew Henry notes, 'prayer is the great and universal duty of all Christians,' and Jesus' teachings in Luke 11 provide guidance on how to pray effectively and live a life of obedience to God. By prioritizing prayer and seeking God's will, believers can reflect the light of Christ to a world in need and live a life of faith and obedience to God. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Prayer
Throughout the chapter, Jesus emphasizes the importance of prayer and provides guidance on how to pray effectively. This highlights the need for believers to prioritize prayer in their lives.
The Dangers of Sin
The parable of the return of an unclean spirit serves as a warning against the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking spiritual protection.
The Importance of Obedience
Jesus teaches that living a life of obedience to God is crucial, and that this is only possible through faith in Christ.