Lectionary Year C
July 29, 2001
Luke 11:1-13

Step II: Disposition

Step II - Disposition

A. Genre

(JFC) This pericope reports a, or a few, teaching opportunities Jesus has with one of his disciples and/or with several of them. He initially responds to a request to teach prayer as John has taught his disciples. Then he tells a parable about getting a reluctant friend to help one without food. Next, rather poetically, Jesus cites a few examples of perseverance with predictions of fulfillment. This lesson seems to end somewhat inconclusively, yet with an attempted compliment for those attending to it.

B. Personal Interaction

(JFC) First, I have to wonder who is the subject of the parable? Is it the one hearing the lesson or a hypothetical friend of his or theirs or of Jesus himself? Not that it matters except for the translation. Secondly, is the excuse, re: the children in bed and the door closed, justifiable? Then, how about the friendship bond? Does it suffice alone, or does the persistence of the begging one finally provoke the response? Then, too, do the ask . . . , search . . . , knock sayings comprise an idiomatic teaching or does Jesus generate these lessons here and now? And, also, what about the fish, the egg and the good gifts? Are they first met here and now? And, what about the Holy Spirit's appearing at the close of this passage? Is that occurrence a common one for Luke?

C. Organization

(JFC) First we find Jesus at prayer and when he finishes he is confronted by a disciple with a request for all the disciples. He taught them "The Lord's Prayer". Then he told them of a hypothetical dilemma involving a couple of friends, one in need of food and the other already in bed and, at first, at least, unwilling to be of assistance. Then, because of friendship(s) and/or because of persistence, the man behind the closed door with children in bed, agrees to assist the needy. Then Jesus teaches some further lessons, presumably about persistence in asking, searching and knocking, as well as about parenting. Finally, the lection concludes with acclaiming God's generosity.

| Return to gospel text listings | Return to Epistle text listings |
| Return to Old Testament listings | Return to Psalms listings |
| User response form |