Luke 11:3

Luke 11:3, "Give us day by day our daily bread," is a foundational petition within what is commonly known as the Lord's Prayer, taught by Jesus to His disciples.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' response to a disciple's request, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1). The version here in Luke is more concise than its parallel in Matthew 6:9-13, yet both convey essential principles of prayer. This specific petition immediately follows the hallowing of God's name and the coming of His kingdom, showing a natural progression from worshipping God to seeking His provision for human needs.

Key Themes

• Daily Dependence on God: The phrase "day by day" emphasizes a continuous, moment-by-moment reliance on God for sustenance, rather than seeking provision for a lifetime or hoarding for the distant future. It fosters a spirit of humility and trust in divine care.
• God's Provision: This petition acknowledges God as the ultimate provider of all necessities, not just physical food but all things required for life and well-being. It reminds believers that their needs are met by divine grace, not solely by their own effort.
• Focus on the Present: By asking for "daily bread," Jesus teaches His followers to focus on the needs of the present day, discouraging excessive worry about tomorrow. This echoes His later teaching in Matthew 6:34, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself."
• Community and Shared Needs: The use of "us" and "our" rather than "me" and "my" highlights the communal aspect of prayer and the interconnectedness of believers. It implies praying not just for individual needs but for the needs of the wider community, fostering a spirit of generosity and mutual care.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated as "daily" (epiousios) is unique to the Lord's Prayer in the New Testament and its precise meaning has been a subject of scholarly discussion. It is not found in any other Greek literature from that period. Possible interpretations include:

• "Bread for existence" or "sufficient for our subsistence," implying enough for one's livelihood.
• "Bread for the coming day" or "tomorrow's bread," suggesting a request for future, imminent needs.
• Some early church fathers interpreted it spiritually as "super-substantial bread," referring to the Eucharist or spiritual nourishment.

Regardless of the exact nuance, the core message remains: a request for necessary and sufficient provision for the immediate future, whether that be for the current day or the imminent next, reinforcing our reliance on God.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 11:3 serves as a powerful reminder to:

• Cultivate Daily Trust: Instead of striving in anxiety, we are invited to bring our daily needs to God in prayer, trusting that He will provide, just as He provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness.
• Live Contentedly: It encourages contentment with what is needed for the day, rather than chasing after excessive wealth or material possessions, promoting a focus on sufficiency over abundance.
• Share with Others: The communal "us" prompts us to consider those who lack, inspiring generosity and a desire to see everyone's basic needs met, reflecting God's own character of provision (Philippians 4:19).