Parable of the Persistent Friend — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on parable of the persistent friend, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Luke 11:5 (KJV)
When did the friend come asking for bread?
Answer: At midnight
Study note. Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves. (Luke 11:5)
Lesson 2 · Luke 11:6 (KJV)
Why did the friend need bread?
Answer: For a friend of his had come from a journey, and he had nothing to set before him
Study note. For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? (Luke 11:6)
Lesson 3 · Luke 11:7 (KJV)
What was the friend's response from within?
Answer: Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed
Study note. And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. (Luke 11:7)
Lesson 4 · Luke 11:8 (KJV)
Why will the friend rise and give bread?
Answer: Because of his importunity
Study note. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. (Luke 11:8)
Lesson 5 · Luke 11:9 (KJV)
What does Jesus say to ask for?
Answer: Ask, and it shall be given you
Study note. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (Luke 11:9)
Lesson 6 · Luke 11:11 (KJV)
What comparison does Jesus make about a son asking for bread?
Answer: What father would give him a stone?
Study note. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? (Luke 11:11)
Lesson 7 · Luke 11:11 (KJV)
What if a son asks for a fish?
Answer: Will he give him a serpent?
Study note. Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? (Luke 11:11)
Lesson 8 · Luke 11:12 (KJV)
What if a son asks for an egg?
Answer: Will he offer him a scorpion?
Study note. Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? (Luke 11:12)
Lesson 9 · Luke 11:13 (KJV)
What does Jesus say about earthly fathers?
Answer: If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children
Study note. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:13)
Lesson 10 · Luke 11:13 (KJV)
What will the heavenly Father give?
Answer: The Holy Spirit to them that ask him
Study note. How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? (Luke 11:13)
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does parable of the persistent friend point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?