I tell you, Although he will not rise up and give him anything because of being his friend, certainly because of his bold persistence he will get up and give him what things he needs.”​—Luke 11:5-8.

If that man with his family already tucked in bed with him had been willing to get up and give what was needed, there would have been no need for “bold persistence” on the part of the supplicant. That was what Jesus was stressing.

7, 8. In what way did Jesus’ further words confirm this, and how does this greatly encourage us?

⁷ This is clearly confirmed by Jesus’ next words: “Accordingly I say to you, Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9) Then, still by way of contrast, he concludes: “Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!”​—Luke 11:13.

⁸ Just picture that man who, “because of his bold persistence,” got what he needed even at midnight! His persistence paid off. What an encouragement to put into practice Jesus’ own application of that illustration: ‘keep on asking​—seeking—​knocking.’ Do not give up in praying or weaken in faith because of persistent opposition to your work of Kingdom-preaching or disciple-making, or due to living in a divided household, or because of fighting some personal weakness that is more deep-rooted than you imagined.