Luke 11:13

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!"

Study Bible

If you then, being evil
This phrase begins with a conditional statement, "If you then," which sets up a comparison between human nature and divine nature. The Greek word for "evil" here is "ponēros," which implies a moral or ethical deficiency. Jesus acknowledges the fallen nature of humanity, a concept rooted in the doctrine of original sin. This acknowledgment is not to condemn but to highlight the contrast between human imperfection and God's perfect goodness. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of human nature post-Fall, as seen in Genesis, where humanity's inclination towards sin is evident.

know how to give good gifts to your children
The phrase "know how to give good gifts" uses the Greek word "oida," which implies an inherent understanding or knowledge. Despite humanity's flawed nature, there is an innate ability to discern and provide what is beneficial for one's children. This reflects the common grace that God bestows upon all people, allowing them to perform acts of kindness and love. The historical context here is the Jewish tradition of familial responsibility and care, which was a central aspect of their culture and law.

how much more will your Father in heaven
The phrase "how much more" is a rhetorical device used by Jesus to emphasize the superiority of God's goodness compared to human goodness. The term "Father in heaven" is significant, as it denotes a personal and relational God who is both transcendent and immanent. The Jewish audience would have understood this as a reference to Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is both sovereign and intimately involved in the lives of His people. This reflects the biblical theme of God's fatherly care and provision, as seen throughout the Old Testament.

give the Holy Spirit
The gift of the "Holy Spirit" is the ultimate good gift that God can bestow. In the Greek, "Holy Spirit" is "Pneuma Hagion," which signifies the third person of the Trinity, who empowers, guides, and comforts believers. This promise of the Holy Spirit is a foretaste of the New Covenant, where the Spirit would indwell believers, as prophesied in Joel 2:28-29 and fulfilled in Acts 2. Theologically, this highlights the transition from the Old Covenant, where the Spirit came upon individuals temporarily, to the New Covenant, where the Spirit permanently indwells believers.

to those who ask Him!
The phrase "to those who ask Him" underscores the importance of prayer and dependence on God. The Greek word "aiteō" for "ask" implies a continuous action, suggesting persistence in prayer. This reflects the biblical principle that God desires His children to come to Him with their needs and requests, trusting in His goodness and provision. The historical context here is the Jewish practice of prayer, which was central to their worship and relationship with God. This encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is a loving Father who delights in giving good gifts to His children.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, teaching His disciples about prayer and the nature of God as a loving Father.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who seek to understand and follow His teachings.

3. Father in Heaven
Refers to God, emphasizing His role as a loving and generous parent to His children.

4. Holy Spirit
The gift promised by God to those who ask, representing His presence, guidance, and empowerment in the believer's life.

Teaching Points

Understanding Our Nature
Recognize that even as flawed humans, we have the capacity to give good gifts, which highlights God's infinitely greater goodness.

God's Generosity
Trust in God's willingness to give us the Holy Spirit, a gift that surpasses all earthly gifts.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
Embrace the Holy Spirit's role in our lives as a guide, comforter, and source of strength.

Prayer and Asking
Encourage persistent and faith-filled prayer, knowing that God delights in giving us what we need.

Identity as God's Children
Live with the assurance and confidence that comes from being a child of God, empowered by His Spirit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding our own nature as "evil" in this context help us appreciate God's goodness and generosity?

2. In what ways can we actively seek the Holy Spirit in our daily lives, and how does this align with Jesus' teaching in Luke 11:13?

3. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit in Luke 11:13 connect with the experiences of the early church in Acts 2:38?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate our trust in God's generosity in our prayer life?

5. How does recognizing our identity as God's children, as described in Romans 8:15-16, impact our relationship with Him and with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 7:11
This parallel passage reinforces the idea of God as a generous Father who gives good gifts to His children.

John 14:16-17
Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as a Helper, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38
Peter speaks about receiving the Holy Spirit as a gift, connecting the promise to the early church's experience.

Romans 8:15-16
Paul describes the Spirit as the Spirit of adoption, affirming believers' identity as God's children.

James 1:17
Emphasizes that every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of lights.