The Parable of the Importunate Friend is one of the many parables taught by Jesus Christ to convey profound spiritual truths through simple, relatable accounts. This particular parable is found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 11:5-8. It is a teaching on the nature of prayer and the importance of persistence in seeking God's help.

Context and Setting

The parable is situated within a broader discourse on prayer. It follows the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus provides a model for how His disciples should pray. After teaching them the prayer, Jesus uses this parable to emphasize the necessity of persistence and boldness in prayer.

Text of the Parable (Luke 11:5-8)

"Then Jesus said to them, 'Suppose one of you goes to his friend at midnight and says, "Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine has come to me on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him." 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." I tell you, even though he will not get up to provide for him because of friendship, yet because of the man’s persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs.'"

Analysis and Interpretation

1. Characters and Setting: The parable involves two main characters: the importunate friend who seeks help and the reluctant friend who is initially unwilling to assist. The setting is a typical village home, where hospitality is a cultural expectation, and the arrival of a guest at midnight presents a social obligation.

2. Cultural Background: In the ancient Near Eastern context, hospitality was a sacred duty. The unexpected arrival of a guest would necessitate immediate provision, and failing to provide would bring shame. The friend’s request for bread, therefore, is not just a personal need but a communal responsibility.

3. Persistence in Prayer: The central theme of the parable is persistence. The Greek word used for "persistence" (ἀναίδεια, anaideia) can also be translated as "shameless audacity" or "boldness." The parable teaches that just as the friend’s persistence leads to a favorable response, so too should believers approach God with boldness and perseverance in prayer.

4. God’s Willingness to Respond: While the reluctant friend in the parable eventually responds due to persistence, the underlying message is that God is far more willing to respond to His children. Unlike the friend who is initially unwilling, God is eager to hear and answer the prayers of His people.

5. Encouragement to Pray: The parable serves as an encouragement to believers to continue in prayer, trusting that God hears and will provide according to His will. It underscores the importance of faith and trust in God’s goodness and timing.

6. Application for Believers: The parable encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is a loving Father who desires to give good gifts to His children. It challenges Christians to remain steadfast in prayer, even when answers are not immediate, trusting in God’s perfect wisdom and timing.

In summary, the Parable of the Importunate Friend is a powerful illustration of the need for persistence in prayer and the assurance of God’s readiness to respond to the needs of His people. Through this parable, Jesus teaches that believers should approach God with boldness and confidence, trusting in His faithfulness and love.Luke 11:5-9
And he said to them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Introduction
... picture in the parables of the importunate friend at midnight ... ye poor." Luke also
records the parables of the ... He regards the good news concerning Christ as a ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/introduction.htm

The Friend at Midnight.
... has established his doctrine regarding importunate pressure in ... at Christ's bidding,
and in Christ's name: let ... wonderful and most precious of all the parables. ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xviii the friend at midnight.htm

The Importunate Widow.
... Among the parables this one is signalized by the ... Christ assures us he will give:
that should induce us ... were, like this widow, very importunate and persevering. ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxviii the importunate widow.htm

Because of his Importunity
... The difficulty of importunate prayer is our highest privilege; the ... all the ages God's
children have understood, what Christ's two parables teach, that God ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter iv because of his.htm

Luke.
... Christ touched man at every point and is interested in him as man whether low and
vile or ... 2. Eleven parables, peculiar to Luke. ... (3) The importunate friend, 11:5 ...
/.../gerberding/the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xxvi luke.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... illustrations of this principle in such parables as those ... their conduct of the efficacy
of importunate prayer; adding ... own, for this belongs to Christ alone; but ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

"Nothing is Impossible to Industry, "Said one of the Seven Sages ...
... Our seasons of importunate prayer cut themselves like the print of a diamond, into
our hardest ... Christ gives us two most expressive parables to emphasise ...
/.../bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter vi nothing is impossible.htm

Luke.
... The support of Christ by devout women who are named, 8:2, 3. ... 2. Original Parables:
The two Debtors, 7:41-43. ... The importunate Friend, 11:5-8. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 82 luke.htm

Sixteenth Lesson. Speedily, Though Bearing Long;'
... the lesson as we pray for the Church of Christ. ... last the Lord listened to the
importunate beggar, and ... The two parables must surely be applicable somewhere, and ...
/.../sixteenth lesson speedily though bearing.htm

The Last Journey from Galilee
... months of His ministry, many of Christ's parables were spoken. ... Thus Christ rebuked
the hypocrisy of the Jews ... The parable of the importunate widow and the friend ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 53 the last journey.htm

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