What Jesus Did! 'Our Father's Graciousness' — Matthew 7:9-11

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

[Jesus continued:] "You parents — if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him."
— Matthew 7:9-11 NLT

Key Thought

If our attitude in prayer is one of persistence, God's attitude is one of grace. He longs and loves to bless us. After all, he is our perfect and wise heavenly Father. If we give our children what is best for them because we love them, our heavenly Father will do so to a completely perfect extent. We should not only be persistent in prayer; we should also be confident. The one who hears our prayers is our loving Father!

Today's Prayer

Abba Father, thank you for being so close to me and concerned for me. Thank you for finding great delight in being gracious to me. Thank you for being patient with me. Please forgive me for the times I've disappointed you or rebelled against your will. I love you Father. Please have your will triumph in my life. In the name of Jesus, my older brother, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Romans 8:14-16, 26
  • James 1:17
  • Philippians 4:4-7

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 7:9-11 NLT — "You parents — if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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