Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, 10 or a snake when he asks for a fish? 11 If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.
12 “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.
13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. 14 How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.
In verses 7 to 11, Jesus encourages His disciples with one of the most beloved promises in the Gospels: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (v. 7). He follows this with a striking image of a father giving good gifts to his children, culminating in the assurance: “how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him?” (v. 11).
The NABRE footnotes explain that these verbs—ask, seek, knock—are all present imperatives, indicating ongoing action. Jesus is urging persistence in prayer, trust in the Father’s goodness, and confidence that we are not ignored when we come before God.
This teaching echoes Old Testament wisdom (e.g., Jer 29:13: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”) and anticipates the promises in the New Testament that God hears the cries of the faithful (cf. Phil 4:6–7; Jas 1:5–6).
But the “good things” God gives are not always the things we want—God gives what we truly need for salvation. As The Navarre Bible explains, Jesus is teaching that prayer must be made in humility and trust, aligned with the Father’s will (cf. Mt 6:10).
In verse 12, Jesus articulates the ethical heart of the Law: “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”
This is more than just a moral saying; it is a summation of God’s covenant ethic. It reflects the command in Lev 19:18—“Love your neighbor as yourself”—and sets a standard of mutuality and justice that is grounded in God’s own mercy.
The Paulist Biblical Commentary notes that this verse is not based on reciprocity, but on the generous initiative of divine love. It doesn’t say, “Do to others because they’ve done to you,” but because that is how God treats us.
Jesus is calling us to embody the same mercy and generosity that we have just been assured of in vv. 7–11. We are to extend to others what we hope to receive from God.
After offering such encouraging promises, Jesus issues a sobering warning in verses 13 and 14: “Enter through the narrow gate... For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”
This is not a contradiction of His earlier generosity—it is a reality check. God freely offers grace, but we must respond. The road to eternal life requires perseverance, self-denial, and a sincere commitment to live according to God’s will.
The “narrow gate” has strong biblical resonance. Psalm 1 contrasts the way of the righteous with the way of the wicked. Deuteronomy 30:19 presents a choice between life and death. Jesus’ words also echo the call in Luke 13:24: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many... will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.”
Jesus is describing a path of discipleship, not ease. The way is narrow because it involves truth, repentance, and obedience. These three teachings form a unified call to seek, live, and persevere in the way of life. Salvation is open to all, but it is not automatic. It must be accepted and lived.
Heavenly Father, teach me to ask with faith, to live with love, and to walk with courage. Help me trust in Your goodness, reflect Your mercy, and stay on the path that leads to life. Strengthen me when the way is narrow and fill me with hope until I see You face to face. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sources and References:
• The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition (2011).
• A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture, ed. Bernard Orchard et al. (1953).
• The Navarre Bible: Matthew, Faculty of the University of Navarre (2008).
• The Paulist Biblical Commentary, ed. José Enrique Aguilar Chiu et al. (2018).
• Catechism of the Catholic Church, §§2567, 2610, 1716–1724, 2847.
• Jeremiah 29:13 – Seeking God with all the heart.
• Philippians 4:6–7 – Present your needs to God with trust.
• James 1:5–6 – Ask in faith, without doubting.
• Leviticus 19:18 – Love your neighbor as yourself.
• Matthew 6:10; 7:7–14; 13:24 – Teachings on prayer, moral law, and salvation.
• Deuteronomy 30:19 – Choose life.
• Psalm 1 – The way of the righteous vs. the way of the wicked.
• Luke 13:24 – Strive to enter through the narrow gate.
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