Text: Luke 11:113

Topic: Why God answers prayer

Introduction:

The more I get to know Jesus as Son, the more I discover his passion to reveal his Father.

Illustration: Johnson quotes T.W. Manson and George Caird, emphasizing the centrality of the Father to Christ's mission on earth.

John 5:1920

The Son's greatest desire is to explain the Father to us.

• Luke 11:113
• The disciples wondered what about the Father made Jesus want to pray.

God always honors his name.

• The parable of the Friend at Midnight is phrased as a question: "Can you imagine this?"
• The cultures of Jesus' day couldn't imagine Mr. B refusing Mr. A asking for bread. Mr. B was culturally expected to extend hospitality, and Mr. B would have brought shame to his name by refusing.
• Neither will God bring shame to his name by refusing to answer prayer.
• Illustration: Johnson briefly cites examples of Moses, David, and Ezekiel calling on God to answer prayer for his name's sake.

God's commitment to his name translates into a commitment to his people.

• God has joined the honor of his name to your life.

1 Samuel 12:22

Illustration: Johnson quotes John Piper saying, "His name is at stake in your destiny."

• When you ask for anything, you receive the Holy Spirit. God will give you as much of himself as you need.