Read for This Week’s Study: Luke 2:25-32, John 16:5-7, Luke 23:46, Luke 11:1-4,Matt. 7:21-23, Luke 11:9-13.
Memory Text:
So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened(Luke 11:9-10, NKJV).
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Of the three synoptic Gospels, Luke speaks more often than do the others about Jesus’ relationship to the Holy Spirit. While Matthew refers to the Spirit 12 times and Mark does so six times, Luke has 17 references in his Gospel and 57 in the book of Acts. From the conception of Jesus into humanity (Luke 1:35) to the directive establishing His global mission (Luke 24:44-49), Luke sees an operational link between Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The link is basic to understanding the ministry of our Savior. Likewise, Luke shows the importance of prayer in Jesus’ life and mission. Fully divine, equal with the Father and the Spirit, Jesus in His humanity left us an example in regard to prayer.
If Jesus saw the need for prayer, how much more must we need it?
Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation.-Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 95.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, May 16.
