Who would knock on their neighbor’s door at midnight and ask for three loaves of bread? Maybe a better question: Why did Luke put this story in his gospel account?

We may not be familiar with the Middle Eastern world, but Jesus told stories that fit the context of his times. Everyone who was listening knew what he was getting at in his stories. Jesus wanted to let everyone know about the hospitality of God by listening to and watching him.

In the New Testament context, hospitality meant everything. Hospitality trumped inconvenience. Jesus gave an example that everyone knew happened quite often. Unexpected guests showed up at all times of the night because travel was easier when the hot sun was not beating down. So the friend who troubled his neighbor at midnight for bread was not asking something so unusual.

Jesus’ words make sense to people who become frustrated that their prayers seem to evaporate into thin air and get no results. Jesus makes clear, however, that God will not violate his integrity. We are to keep on praying and trusting that God will graciously and generously supply what we need.

Jesus endorsed persistent prayer. We are to “pray continually... for this is God’s will” for us (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).