Or what man is there of you, who, if his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone;
Christ moves from lesser to greater: even self-loving men forget themselves to lavish on their children because God plants His goodness in their hearts. If such small drops of His nature yield such abundance, what shall we expect from the inexhaustible ocean? God will not shut His own heart.
AI summary
Ask like a beggar; seek like one hunting for treasure; knock like a stranger at the door. Those who would grow rich in grace must take up the poor trade of begging, and it shall thrive. Yet prayer alone is not enough, second your prayers with earnest effort in the appointed means, else you tempt God.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 7:7-11
Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread--a loaf. will he give him a stone?--round and smooth like such a loaf or cake as was much in use, but only to mock him.