Kingdom Incarnate Part 12
At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Incarnate,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.
We continue our series, ‘Kingdom Incarnate,’ which endeavors to teach us to see and know Jesus in the Gospels. Last week, we discussed forgiveness and unforgiveness. This week, we will talk about prayer.
Luke 11:1–4 (NIV)
1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’ ”
In Luke 11:1-4, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray, offering a concise but powerful model for approaching God. This passage parallels Matthew 6:9-13, presenting a slightly shorter version that emphasizes key aspects of prayer: reverence, dependence, forgiveness, and spiritual guidance.
The scene begins with one of Jesus’ disciples asking, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples” (Luke 11:1). This request reveals a hunger for a deeper connection with God, recognizing that prayer is not just a ritual but a vital relationship. In response, Jesus provides a prayer that encapsulates the essence of communion with the Father.
The prayer begins, “Father, hallowed be your name” (Luke 11:2). Addressing God as “Father” reflects the intimate relationship believers have with Him, showing both reverence and trust. “Hallowed be your name” acknowledges God’s holiness and calls for His name to be honored in all things. It aligns the heart of the believer with the worship and adoration due to God alone.
The phrase “Your kingdom come” expresses a longing for God’s reign to be fully realized on earth. It is a declaration of surrender to God’s rule, a desire for His justice, love, and truth to transform the world. This aligns with Jesus’ broader teaching that the Kingdom of God is both present and future, calling His followers to live in anticipation of its fulfillment.
“Give us each day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3) expresses complete dependence on God for sustenance. This request encompasses not only physical provision but also spiritual nourishment, acknowledging that God is the ultimate provider. Jesus teaches His disciples to trust God daily rather than hoarding resources, thereby reinforcing their faith in His continual provision.
The prayer continues, “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us” (Luke 11:4). Here, Jesus connects divine forgiveness with human relationships, emphasizing that receiving God’s mercy necessitates extending it to others. Forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel, and prayer serves as a reminder to live in grace and reconciliation.
Finally, Jesus instructs them to pray, “And lead us not into temptation.” This is a plea for guidance and strength in spiritual battles, recognizing human weakness and the need for divine help to resist sin and evil.
The Lord’s Prayer in Luke is more than a formula—it is an invitation to trust, worship, and walk closely with God, embodying the essence of true discipleship.
This weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, we will discuss all this and more, so be sure to join us in person or online.
Steve Lawes is a pastor at Keys Vineyard Church and also the founder of the Online Bible Institute Network.
