About the Text
(7) Why is it that I sometimes don't receive what I ask
God for? Because this saying of Jesus is not a formula for getting anything we
want, but rather it is a description of God's generosity. The context is the key. Verse 11
says, "how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask
Him!" This verse, as well as verse 7, tells us that God always gives good gifts to
followers of Jesus Christ, though they are not always exactly what we ask for.
There are many reasons why we don't get what we pray for. Such reasons
are praying with selfish motives (James 4:3), praying for what is not God's will (1 John 5:14),
not acknowledging the name of Christ (John 14:13), or a lack of faith (Matt 17:20-21).
(12) Why is it so important to "do to others what you would have them do to
you"? Because God would. Again, the context is the key. This is not simply a
rule for being "nice," as the world sees it. Rather, it is our best response to
a gracious God.
(12) How does the Golden Rule "sum up the Law and the
Prophets"? It sums up the last six commandments of the Ten Commandments. It
doesn't sum up the entire Law. That's why Jesus didn't say "ALL the Law and
Prophets" as He did in Matt. 22:40 in reference to loving God and neighbor.
(13) What does Jesus mean by "the narrow gate?" Jesus is saying
that there is only one way to an abundant, eternal life. The Golden Rule, because it goes
against all the different lifestyles the world has to offer, is only one instance of
Jesus' "narrowness." Throughout the New Testament, this "narrowness"
is seen in such truths as "I am the way, truth and the life. No one comes to the
Father but by Me." (John 14:6) Also, Acts 4:12, "Salvation is found in no one
else..." And also Ephesians 4:4-5, "There is one body and one Spirit - just as
you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one
God and Father of all..."
Key Memory Verse
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (7:12)
Insights
The Bottom Line
Be kind to all. We are all sinners, yet Christ loved us, died
for us, and gave us new life. Therefore, we too must give kindly, even to those who sin
against us.