Bible verses read without pertinent context may be misleading. Sometimes, important verses are at the end of a passage and might be surprising, like a punch to the nose, not making us laugh like a punch line to a joke, but hitting us with simple statements of theological truth! Consider these two verses:
Bible Punch Lines
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:33
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” – Luke 11:13
Matthew 6:25-44
The Matthew 6 verse is spoken by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” seems to be the theme of the pertinent pericope, Matthew 6:25-44. We are told not to worry about what we will eat or drink or wear or how long we shall live. The birds of the air and the lilies of the field do not have such worries and neither should we! We are told that our heavenly father knows we need these things.
And then comes that punch line: But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:33
Luke 11:1-13
The Luke 11 verse begins with Jesus finishing a time of prayer and one of his disciples asking him to teach them to pray. The Our Father follows, and then Jesus tells of a man who is asking a friend for bread at an inconvenient time. The friend resists. Jesus says that persistence will pay off. At this point, persistence in praying for whatever we want or need, even something as simple as a loaf of bread, seems to be the theme of the pertinent pericope, Luke 11:1-13.
But then Jesus says something puzzling: “Ask, and it will be given you…for everyone who asks receives.” We can be tempted at this point to substitute whatever it is we want for that little two-word pronoun, it. But then comes the punch line which includes the proper reference for that pronoun.
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” – Luke 11:13
Deeper Meanings/Lessons
One way to see the meaning of these lessons is that, if we truly seek first the “Kingdom of God and his righteousness,” we will be completely satisfied with whatever food and clothing we have and whatever life span we are given and will not be worrying about getting more of those earthly things. And if we sincerely ask God for the “Holy Spirit,” the single most important thing he wants to give us. he will give it to us.
We just need to be careful what we seek and what we pray for! And, when reading the Bible, we need to be careful about where to start and stop!
Closing Comment
As usual, one layman’s understanding and opinions. Comments, corrections, and questions are welcomed.