Jan 19 - Bread of Friendship

Read Luke 11:5-10

Context: Continuation from yesterday

Text:
5Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'
7"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness[a] he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV)

Footnotes:
Luke 11:8 Or persistence
taken from www.biblegateway.com

Yesterday Jesus told us that we are to ask for our daily bread, a staple that could mean the difference between life and death. In this passage he goes on to show how critical bread was to the culture. The Jewish people were known for their hospitality. It was considered a major slap to a guest if you didn't offer them food and a place to sleep. A good friend would know this and would go out of his way to be helpful to a neighbor in need.

This week we are learning that Jesus is the bread of life. We, too, should be willing to share our 'bread' with others in need! When is the last time someone hinted (or flat out mentioned) their need for what Jesus can offer. How did you respond? I'm haunted by the times I said no, often the opportunity to witness doesn't come as easily the next time.