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Matthew 7:10 (BSB)
Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?” — Matthew 7:10
Imagine you're a parent, and your child asks you for something to eat. Instead of handing over a nice fish, you give them something scary, like a snake! That's just absurd, right? This verse is highlighting how ridiculous it would be for someone who loves you to give you something harmful instead of what you truly need. It’s all about trust and the nature of goodness. You wouldn’t expect a loving parent to do that, and neither should you expect anything less from the one who cares for you deeply.
This book, Matthew, was written by one of Jesus' followers, a former tax collector who had a dramatic change of heart. He wanted to show people who Jesus really was and how His teachings apply to everyday life. By including this detail about giving good gifts, Matthew wants you to know that God is not just a distant figure; He's a caring source of goodness, ready to provide what you need.
This was written during a time when Jesus was walking the earth, around 30 A.D. The world was filled with various beliefs and practices, and many were confused about who God really was. Matthew wrote this in a society that had a mix of Jewish traditions and Roman influence. Understanding the culture of that time helps you see how revolutionary Jesus' message was—he was flipping the script on how people viewed God’s character!
This verse matters today because it reassures you that when you're asking for help or guidance, you're not going to get something harmful in return. You can trust that what you ask for will be met with goodness. It’s a reminder that in your moments of need, you have a loving source that wants to provide for you. No matter how tough things get, you can lean into that trust, knowing you're cared for.
This week, take a moment to think about something you really need or a prayer you want to lift up. When you do, remind yourself that you’re not just talking to the wind; you're reaching out to a loving, caring source. Write down your request and then look for ways you can be a good gift to others in your life. Maybe it’s offering help to a friend or just being kind to someone who seems down. Reflecting that goodness can make a big difference!
In this chapter, Jesus is teaching about prayer and how to approach God. He’s been talking about asking, seeking, and knocking, emphasizing that when you genuinely reach out, you will receive good things. This verse comes right after He reassures you that God isn't like the bad examples you might see in the world. It’s a moment that brings home the idea that God is a loving provider. After this, He goes on to discuss treating others the way you want to be treated, tying it all together into a beautiful picture of love and kindness.
When you think about asking for help or guidance, how does it change the way you approach that request knowing that you're asking a loving source?
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