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Explanation for:
Matthew
7
:
11
If you then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more will your Father who is in heaven, give good things to them that ask him?
12
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"It is important to note that when He referred to the apostles as evil, it may also signify His condemnation of all humanity, whose hearts, since childhood, are inclined toward wickedness in contrast to Divine mercy. Referring to the book of Genesis sheds light on this (Gen. 8:21). Furthermore, it is not unexpected that He labels the people of this generation as evil, as the Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment by stating: Redeeming the time, for the days are evil (Eph. 5:16)."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Christ did not express disdain for human nature or condemn humanity; rather, He contrasts the flawed nature of paternal love with His divine goodness. The depth of His humanity is profound. Can you perceive the profound insight that, even amidst the direst circumstances, inspires hopeful aspirations? Here, the Savior refers to the examples set by the fathers as evidence of His benevolence, and above all, He highlights His ultimate gifts—soul and body. Yet, He has not yet mentioned the most significant of His blessings, nor has He indicated His forthcoming arrival. The One who chose to offer His Son as a sacrificial gift will surely provide us with all else. However, this sacrifice has not yet taken place. Nevertheless, Paul emphasizes this truth when he states, “He spared not His own Son, how shall He not also with Him give us all things” (Romans 8:32)? Additionally, Christ, in His discussions with His listeners, presents even more ordinary examples."},{"author-name":"Gregory the Theologian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c5f2a7f789cd7951c81_Gregory%20the%20Theologian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Let us adhere to the supreme and fundamental law established by God Himself, who bestows rain upon both the just and the unjust and commands the sun to shine on all alike (Mt. 5:45). He has provided for everyone living on this earth, granting access to the land, the springs, the rivers, the forests, the air for the birds, and the waters for those who inhabit the seas. God has generously supplied humanity with the essentials of life, which are free from the constraints of authority, legislation, or national boundaries, available to all in abundance, leaving no one in want. This divine provision reflects both the inherent dignity of our shared humanity and the vastness of His goodness. Yet, despite such generosity, people hoard gold, silver, expensive clothing, precious stones, and other valuables buried in the earth—symbols of conflict, rivalry, and historical aggression among those who revere the Almighty. Then, in a tragic display of madness, they turn their backs on their suffering brethren, withholding help even from those in need while clinging to their excess. How profound the ignorance! How great the folly!"},{"author-name":"Isidore of Pelusium","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d94130e668938c9ae9d_Isidore%20of%20Pelusium.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The kindness of God is immense, while the cruelty of humanity is profound. The individual who sought clemency and was granted forgiveness for his immense debt refused to extend the same mercy when he confronted a fellow servant. This companion owed him a trivial amount in comparison, yet he had him imprisoned. The first servant was burdened with a debt of ten thousand talents, while the second owed only fifty denarii. Therefore, the Gospel rightly highlights the contrast between God's generosity and human kindness, referring to the latter as deceptive. If you, despite your shortcomings, can provide good gifts to your children, how much greater generosity can your heavenly Father offer to those who seek Him? It is not the nature of divinity that is accused of deceit—indeed, it is proclaimed: \\"Please, Lord, good\\" (Ps. 124:4), and as stated, \\"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good\\" (Mt. 12:35). The comparison arises solely between human goodness and the goodness of God, which reveals a certain deceitfulness. The scripture confirms, “How much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask Him” (Mt. 7:11)."},{"author-name":"Augustine of Hippo","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88950a5c988a4fc06c7ae_Augustine%20of%20Hippo.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"If you, despite your flawed nature, are capable of providing good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father bestow blessings upon those who seek Him. But how do those who are wicked perform acts of goodness? Christ classified the wicked as those devoted to worldly matters and sinners. The blessings they offer, as perceived by them, might indeed seem good because they act with good intentions. However, while these acts may appear good in essence, they are fleeting and tied to this fragile existence. A person who is evil and gives such gifts does not do so from their own merit, for the Lord owns the earth and everything within it, having created the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all that inhabit them (Psalm 23:1; Psalm 145:6). Thus, we can have complete confidence that God will grant us His blessings as we request, and He will not mislead us into receiving something different from what we seek. Even though we may be flawed, we trust that He will fulfill our requests. After all, we do not deceive our own children, and any good we can offer comes not from ourselves but rather from God."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"He refers to humanity as wicked, contrasting them with the divine: while our essence as creations of God is righteous, we corrupt ourselves through our own choices."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"He referred to them as wicked, not to criticize human nature, but to illustrate the contrast with Divine goodness. The goodness of humanity appears flawed when compared to the perfection of Divine goodness, highlighting a disparity as vast as that between mankind and God. Observe how He encourages acts of kindness and invites prayer, seamlessly moving from one to the other and back again. He teaches us not to depend on our efforts alone or solely on prayer but to engage in our responsibilities while seeking assistance from above. It is only through mutual support that our actions can truly flourish."},{"author-name":"Ignatij (Briantchaninow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ce37597540c9caa5df5_Ignatij%20(Briantchaninow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In the Gospel, it is noted that the heavenly Father is willing to bestow good gifts upon those who seek Him (Matthew 7:11). These gifts are beyond what the eye has perceived, what the ear has heard, and what has entered the heart of humanity (1 Cor. 2:9). Likewise, Luke the Evangelist affirms that the Father in heaven will grant the Holy Spirit to those who earnestly ask for Him (Luke 11:13). Our prayers should be centered on spiritual and everlasting matters rather than on fleeting and material concerns. The foundational prayer should primarily include requests for the forgiveness of our transgressions."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In contemplating the nature of evil, it is essential to recognize that Christ's words were not intended as a condemnation of humanity nor a slight against our nature. Instead, He identifies the flawed aspect of paternal love to contrast it with its true goodness. If imperfect beings, however limited in their love, refrain from giving their children harmful items when asked for good ones, how could we ever presume that our Heavenly Father, who embodies supreme goodness, would provide us with detrimental gifts instead of beneficial ones? Thus, when we approach Him with requests grounded in faith, hope, and perseverance, we must yield ourselves entirely to His perfect will and loving care, for not even a single hair on our heads will fall without His knowledge (Matthew 10:30)."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"For this reason, the Redeemer continues by saying: If you, being flawed and inherently prone toward sin, still know how to provide good gifts to your children, meaning to offer them the necessary material provisions for their earthly existence, so too will your compassionate heavenly Father, who knows the appropriate time and manner for giving, bestow true spiritual blessings upon His children who earnestly seek Him. Therefore, present every request and each prayer entirely to the will of your heavenly Father; if it pleases Him to grant it, may it be for His glory; if He chooses not to fulfill it, may His holy and benevolent will prevail in our lives. Our Lord Jesus Christ exemplified this in the Garden of Gethsemane: My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by; not as I will, but as You will.... Thy will be done (Matthew 26:39, 42). A certain holy elder once proclaimed, \\"I do not seek happiness, nor have I ever requested it from the Heavenly Father, who governs all. Consequently, I have never experienced unhappiness, unlike those whose desires often go unfulfilled. Am I hungry? I express gratitude to God, who acts as a Father orchestrating all our needs. Am I cold? Do I endure unfavorable weather? I praise Him still. Do others mock me? I glorify Him equally, recognizing that God either causes or allows all things, and it is impossible for His actions to be anything less than good. Thus, I receive everything—both favorable and unpleasant, sweet and bitter—with joy, as if from the hand of a loving Father. I desire only that which God desires, and therefore everything aligns with my true wishes. Those who pursue joy in the world are to be pitied, for true happiness lies solely in entrusting oneself to God's will in all matters. God's will is entirely good and just. I strive to adhere to it faithfully, aspiring only to desire what God desires, and to refrain from wanting what He does not will.\\" The saints of God found their happiness in God's will throughout their earthly lives and placed their ultimate bliss in the life to come. For instance, St. Demetrius of Rostov offered this prayer daily: \\"Save me, O my Savior, according to Thy goodness, rather than my actions. If You desire to keep me in light, blessed be You! If You wish for me to remain in darkness, blessed be You still! If You open the door to Your mercy, it is good and gracious. Blessed are You, O Lord, who has closed the door of Your mercy towards me in righteousness. If You do not let me perish due to my sins, glory to Your boundless mercy. But if You do allow me to fall because of my iniquities, glory to Your righteous judgment: do as You will with me!\\""},{"author-name":"Kochomski S.W.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"If you, despite your sinful nature, are able to provide good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father bestow good gifts upon those who seek His assistance? In a parallel teaching of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, we learn that He gives the Holy Spirit to those who request it (Luke 11:13). This highlights the understanding that the blessings of Christ's kingdom are primarily found in the gifts of the Holy Spirit."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Request, and you will receive. With this final directive, Jesus concluded His teaching on how to enter the kingdom of heaven. Many among His audience may have struggled to comply with His teachings, finding the expectations He set before them overwhelming. Soon after, His disciples voiced their concerns, asking, “Who then can be saved?” (Matthew 19:25). Earlier, He had clarified that the burden He places on those seeking salvation is light, and His yoke is manageable (Matthew 11:30). Now, as He wraps up His Sermon on the Mount, He beckons His listeners to remain steadfast in pursuing His directives: Seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you (Matthew 7:7). However, amid this diligent search for the Kingdom of Heaven, remember that you cannot accomplish this solely through your own efforts; you must rely on God’s assistance. Thus, pray, ask, and it will be granted to you. Just as those who seek earnestly find what they are looking for, and those who knock persistently will have doors opened to them, similarly, he who asks consistently will receive. Is there anyone among you who, when his son requests bread, would give him a stone? Or if he asks for fish, would give him a serpent? Therefore, if you, despite being sinful, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father provide good things to those who seek Him? Many complain against God when they do not receive their requests immediately, and this discontent can lead to either despair or, even worse, disbelief. Chrysostom remarked that if you don’t receive what you ask for right away, do not lose heart. Christ spoke of knocking to indicate that if the door does not open quickly, you must wait. If you continually ask God, you shall receive what you seek, even if it does not come right away; you will undoubtedly receive it. This is why the door may seem locked, to encourage your persistence; that’s why your requests do not always get an immediate response. Therefore, keep asking, and you shall surely obtain. Yet you might wonder, what if I ask and do not receive? To address this concern, the Savior shares a parable, highlighting not just what to ask for, but also how to ask. Is there anyone among you who, when his son requests bread, would respond with a stone? If you do not receive, it may be because you are asking for something worthless. Being a child does not automatically grant you everything; rather, it may be the reason you fail to receive, as you seek things that lack utility. Avoid asking for material things; instead, ask for everything that pertains to the spirit, and you will certainly receive. You may question, why do I not receive even when I seek spiritual things? Perhaps because you are not knocking diligently enough, or you have rendered yourself unworthy to receive what you are asking for, or perhaps you have ceased your requests too soon. You may inquire further, why did the Savior not specify what you should ask for? He has, in fact, already addressed this (St. John Chrysostom, Conversations on the Gospel of Matthew, 23). He stated: Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (those of the earth) will be added to you (Matthew 6:33). But do we really need to view all earthly matters as mere stones not worthy of petition to our Heavenly Father? Did not Christ teach us to pray for our daily bread? Isn't this daily bread essential for sustaining human life, which St. John Chrysostom says we should not seek? After all, Jesus Himself prayed for and healed the sick, suggesting that it is indeed valid to seek health and recovery from ailments. Since physical health is necessary for life, it is as truly temporal a good as food, drink, clothing, and shelter. It must be acknowledged, then, that Christ did not prohibit us from asking God for necessary earthly or temporal goods when He instructed us to pray for our daily bread. However, when He said, “Ask, and it shall be given to you,” He specifically referred to the goods that lead to eternal life, for in this exhortation, He assured His followers and listeners of divine assistance in adhering to His commandments and in carrying the yoke He imposed upon them. Ultimately, this yoke is far lighter than it may initially appear. All of Christ’s commandments and His yoke culminate in His concluding exhortation: “In all things, as you would that men should do unto you, so do ye also unto them.”"}]}
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