Luke 11:11 – “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus uses a simple but powerful comparison to illustrate God’s goodness. He asks His listeners to imagine a father whose son asks for a fish—a basic, essential food in their culture. No loving father would respond to such a request by giving his child a snake, which could be harmful or even deadly. The implied answer is obvious: a good father would give his child something good, not something harmful.
Jesus is making the point that if human fathers, who are imperfect, know how to give good gifts to their children, then God, who is perfect and loving, will surely give His children what they need. This teaching reassures believers that when they pray, they are not approaching a harsh or stingy God but a loving Father who desires to bless them.
Historical Context
In the time of Jesus, fish was a staple food in the diet of many people, especially for those living near bodies of water like the Sea of Galilee. A father providing fish for his child would be as ordinary as providing bread or water. A snake, on the other hand, was a symbol of danger and was often seen as unclean under Jewish law (Leviticus 11:10-12). The contrast between a nourishing fish and a harmful snake would have been very clear to Jesus’ audience.
Additionally, family relationships were highly valued in Jewish culture, and a father’s role in providing for his children was central. Jesus draws on this understanding of fatherly responsibility to help His listeners grasp the character of God as a loving and generous provider.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches an important truth about God’s character: He is a loving and generous Father who desires to give good things to His children. When believers pray, they can trust that God’s answers will always be for their good. Even when the answer isn’t what they expect, it will never be harmful or given out of cruelty.
It also highlights the importance of viewing God through the lens of His goodness. Some people may struggle to approach God in prayer because they see Him as distant or harsh. Jesus corrects this view by reminding us that God’s nature is far more loving and dependable than even the best earthly father.
Another theological implication is that God’s “good gifts” are not always material blessings. Sometimes, God’s best gifts come in the form of spiritual growth, wisdom, or protection from harm we can’t see. Just as a wise parent won’t always give a child everything they ask for, God’s gifts are given in His perfect wisdom.
Literary Analysis
This verse is part of a teaching that uses rhetorical questions and comparisons to emphasize God’s goodness. The question about a father giving his son a snake is meant to evoke a strong, emotional response—no loving father would do such a thing. This makes the lesson about God’s goodness even more compelling: if imperfect humans know how to provide for their children, how much more will God provide for His children?
The structure of the passage builds on the earlier teaching about persistence in prayer (Luke 11:9-10). After encouraging His followers to ask, seek, and knock, Jesus reassures them that their prayers will be answered by a good and loving Father.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 7:9-11 – A parallel passage in Matthew, where Jesus makes the same point using the example of a father giving good gifts to his children.
- Psalm 103:13 – “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”
- James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.”
- Romans 8:32 – “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse is a reminder to approach God with confidence and trust. Sometimes, life’s challenges can make it difficult to believe that God is working for our good. But Jesus reassures believers that God’s answers to prayer are always given in love and wisdom. When we don’t understand why God hasn’t answered a prayer the way we hoped, we can trust that His “no” or “wait” is for our ultimate benefit.
This verse also encourages believers to view God as a compassionate Father. In a world where many people have experienced broken or strained relationships with their earthly fathers, Jesus presents a picture of a perfect Father who always provides what is best for His children.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals the heart of God’s love for His people. Just as a good father would never harm his child, God will never give us anything that would ultimately harm us. His love ensures that His answers to prayer are rooted in what is truly good, even when we don’t immediately understand His plan.
God’s love is not just shown through material provision but through His desire for His children to grow spiritually. Sometimes, what we think is a “snake” in our lives—something difficult or painful—may actually be a form of God’s good gift, helping us grow in faith and character (Romans 5:3-5).
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s good gift. In John 3:16, we see that God gave His only Son to save humanity, demonstrating the depth of His love. Just as an earthly father gives good gifts to his children, God gave the greatest gift of all—salvation through Jesus.
Through Jesus, believers are adopted into God’s family and can call Him “Father” (Romans 8:15). This relationship is central to understanding prayer and God’s provision. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, believers have the privilege of approaching God with confidence, knowing that He hears and answers their prayers.
Furthermore, Jesus’ life on earth is a testimony of how God’s gifts are not always what we expect. The Jews expected a political savior, but God’s gift of Jesus as a suffering servant brought eternal salvation instead. This teaches believers to trust that God’s gifts are always better than what we might initially desire.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you view God when you pray—do you see Him as a loving Father or as distant and unapproachable?
- Can you think of a time when God answered a prayer in a way that you didn’t expect but later realized was for your good?
- How does this verse challenge you to trust God’s wisdom, even when His answers don’t make sense immediately?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of persistence in prayer?
- How does knowing that Jesus is the ultimate gift from God affect the way you pray and trust God’s provision?