If your son asks for fish and bread
If your son asks for fish and bread in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically Matthew 7:9-11, is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Here is the full passage:
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9-11, NIV)
Understand the Passage
- God’s Goodness and Generosity:
Jesus is emphasizing the goodness and generosity of God. Just as a loving parent would never give their child something harmful when they ask for something good, God will not give us something harmful when we ask for something good in prayer. - Trust in God’s Provision:
This passage invites us to trust in God’s provision and care. Even when we might not understand the answers to our prayers, we can be assured that God, who is infinitely more loving and wise than any human parent, always gives us what is ultimately good for us. - Encouragement to Pray:
Jesus is encouraging us to approach God with our needs and desires, confident that God listens and responds lovingly. The comparison to human parents is meant to reinforce the idea that if imperfect humans can give good things to their children, then God, who is perfect, will do so even more.
Reflection
In your own life, you might consider how this passage calls you to trust in God’s goodness. It could be helpful to reflect on times when you’ve asked God for something and how you’ve seen God’s providence at work, even if the answer wasn’t what you expected. This can deepen your trust and reliance on God, knowing that He always seeks our good.
Hebrew translations and Symbolic meanings in Hebrew culture
Exploring the Hebrew translations and symbolic meanings of these terms—bread, stone, fish, snake, gifts, son, and children—can provide a deeper understanding of the passage from Matthew 7:9-11 and its cultural context. Here’s a breakdown of each term:
1. Bread (לֶחֶם – Lechem)
- Hebrew Translation: “Lechem“
- Symbolic Meaning: Bread is a fundamental staple in the diet of ancient Israel, symbolizing sustenance, life, and God’s provision. In a broader spiritual sense, bread also represents the word of God and spiritual nourishment. The significance of bread in Hebrew culture is seen in the manna provided by God to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16) and in the showbread (Lechem haPanim) placed in the Temple.
2. Stone (אֶבֶן – Even)
- Hebrew Translation: “Even“
- Symbolic Meaning: Stones in Hebrew culture can have a variety of meanings, ranging from something solid and unyielding to something used for construction, like the stones in the Temple. In this context, a stone represents something that is not nourishing or beneficial, contrasting with the life-giving nature of bread. Stones could also symbolize a heart that is hard or unresponsive, as opposed to a heart that is open to God.
3. Fish (דָּג – Dag)
- Hebrew Translation: “Dag“
- Symbolic Meaning: Fish are often associated with abundance and life, particularly in a region where fishing was a major occupation. Fish also have connotations of God’s provision, as seen in the multiplication of the loaves and fish by Jesus (Matthew 14:13-21). The symbolism of fish in Hebrew culture extends to its use in various religious contexts, such as the sign of the fish (Ichthys) in early Christian symbolism.
4. Snake (נָחָשׁ – Nachash)
- Hebrew Translation: “Nachash“
- Symbolic Meaning: The snake, or serpent, is often associated with deception, danger, and evil, beginning with the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). In this context, giving a snake instead of a fish would represent giving something harmful or malicious instead of something good and nourishing.
5. Gifts (מַתָּנוֹת – Matanot)
- Hebrew Translation: “Matanot” (plural) or “Matan” (singular)
- Symbolic Meaning: Gifts in Hebrew culture are often seen as expressions of love, favor, and grace. In the context of the passage, the “good gifts” refer to the blessings and provisions from God, who gives generously to His children. The concept of gifts also connects to the idea of divine grace, where God gives beyond what is deserved.
6. Son (בֵּן – Ben)
- Hebrew Translation: “Ben“
- Symbolic Meaning: The term “son” in Hebrew culture carries significant weight, representing not just a biological relationship but also inheritance, lineage, and covenant. Sons were seen as carriers of the family name and legacy. In the context of this passage, the “son” represents the believer or follower of God, who trusts in God’s provision.
7. Children (יְלָדִים – Yeladim)
- Hebrew Translation: “Yeladim“
- Symbolic Meaning: Children symbolize dependence, innocence, and the need for care and guidance. In Hebrew culture, children are often seen as blessings from God, and their upbringing is closely tied to the covenant relationship with God. The reference to children in this passage emphasizes the trusting and dependent relationship between believers and God, similar to that of a child to a loving parent.
Cultural Context
In the Hebrew culture, these symbols would have been immediately recognizable to Jesus’ audience. They understood bread as essential sustenance, stones as something that could be harmful or useless if given in place of bread, fish as nutritious and life-sustaining, and snakes as symbols of danger or evil. Gifts from God were seen as expressions of His love and favor, and the relationship between a parent and a child was deeply rooted in trust, care, and provision.
This understanding adds depth to Jesus’ teaching in this passage. He’s not just talking about physical objects, but using these symbols to convey God’s unwavering commitment to provide for and care for His children in ways that are good, nourishing, and life-giving.
The stone of judgement, the snake of temptation, the fish of creation, Eden and the fall
Relating the concepts of the “stone of judgment,” the “snake of temptation,” the “fish of creation,” and the context of Eden and the Fall to the symbols from the passage in Matthew 7:9-11 can provide a richer and more profound understanding of the biblical narrative. Let’s explore each of these connections:
1. The Stone of Judgment
- Symbolism in Scripture: Stones often symbolize judgment, law, and condemnation in the Bible. For instance, the Ten Commandments were inscribed on stone tablets (Exodus 31:18), symbolizing the immutable law of God. In the context of judgment, stones were also used in the practice of stoning as a form of capital punishment (John 8:7). In a metaphorical sense, stones represent the harshness and rigidity of the law without grace.
- Relation to the Passage: In Matthew 7:9-11, a stone represents something unhelpful or even harmful if given in place of bread. In a broader spiritual sense, it can symbolize the judgment or condemnation we might feel or impose on ourselves or others, rather than offering grace and life-giving nourishment. Jesus’ teaching here contrasts the harshness of judgment (the stone) with the provision of grace and sustenance (the bread).
2. The Snake of Temptation
- Symbolism in Scripture: The snake is a powerful symbol of temptation and deception, primarily because of its role in the story of the Fall in Genesis 3, where the serpent tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, leading to the Fall of humanity. The serpent’s cunning nature and its role in introducing sin into the world make it a symbol of temptation and evil throughout Scripture.
- Relation to the Passage: In Matthew 7:10, the snake represents something harmful and deceptive, contrasting with the nourishing and good nature of a fish. If we think of the snake as a symbol of temptation, it reminds us of how easily we can be led astray by what seems appealing but is ultimately harmful. Jesus reassures us that God, unlike the serpent, gives us what is truly good and not something that will lead us into sin or harm.
3. The Fish of Creation
- Symbolism in Scripture: Fish are often associated with abundance and life, particularly in the context of creation. In Genesis 1:20-23, God creates the fish of the sea, and they are seen as a part of the fullness of life that God blesses and commands to be fruitful and multiply. Fish also have strong connections to God’s provision, as seen in the New Testament with the miracles of the loaves and fishes (Matthew 14:13-21).
- Relation to the Passage: In Matthew 7:10, the fish symbolizes something that gives life and sustenance, standing in contrast to the snake. The fish, as a symbol of creation, abundance, and divine provision, reflects God’s intent to give us what nurtures and sustains us. It points back to the original goodness of God’s creation and His ongoing care for His creation, including us.
4. Eden and the Fall
- Symbolism in Scripture: The Garden of Eden represents the original state of harmony between God and humanity before the Fall. The Fall, precipitated by the serpent’s temptation, represents the entry of sin, death, and brokenness into the world. The narrative of Eden and the Fall is central to understanding humanity’s need for redemption and God’s desire to restore what was lost.
- Relation to the Passage: The themes of Eden and the Fall resonate in this passage as a reminder of the contrast between God’s original plan for humanity and the reality of sin. The bread and fish symbolize God’s ongoing desire to sustain and restore us, while the stone and snake symbolize the potential for judgment and temptation that can lead us away from God. Jesus’ message in this passage is one of reassurance that, despite the Fall and the presence of sin and temptation in the world, God continues to offer us what is good, nourishing, and life-giving, much like the original provision in Eden.
Bringing It All Together
In Matthew 7:9-11, Jesus uses these symbols to illustrate God’s faithful and loving nature, contrasting it with the brokenness introduced by the Fall. The stone of judgment contrasts with the bread of life, the snake of temptation with the fish of divine provision, and the memory of Eden’s harmony with the reality of the Fall. Yet, in this passage, there is a promise that God’s gifts to us are always for our good, aimed at our restoration and flourishing.
By reflecting on these symbols within the larger biblical narrative, we see that God’s gifts—like bread and fish—are meant to bring us back to that original state of goodness and communion with Him, despite the presence of judgment, temptation, and sin in the world. The assurance is that God’s nature is not to deceive (like the serpent) or condemn (like a stone), but to give life, grace, and sustenance.
This invites us to trust in God’s goodness, even when faced with the temptations and judgments that are part of our human experience. It also challenges us to reflect on whether we are seeking the true “bread” and “fish” from God, or if we are settling for the “stones” and “snakes” that the world might offer.
The Stone, the Snake, the Fish, and the Bread
The Stone, the Snake, the Fish, and the Bread, a Reflective Journey through Matthew 7:9-11 in the Light of the Spiritual Exercises
Introduction: The words of Jesus in Matthew 7:9-11, “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?” beckon us into a deep meditation on the nature of God’s provision and our trust in His goodness. These images of bread, stone, fish, and snake are rich in symbolism, drawing from the deep well of Hebrew culture and the broader narrative of Scripture. As we explore these symbols, particularly in light of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, we are invited into a reflective journey that not only deepens our understanding of God’s love but also challenges us to discern His will in the midst of life’s trials and temptations.
The Bread of Life versus the Stone of Judgment: In the first movement of the Spiritual Exercises, we are called to consider our relationship with God and our place in the world. The image of bread in Matthew 7 represents not just physical sustenance, but spiritual nourishment—the very life that God gives us through His Word and the Eucharist. Bread is the essential food that sustains life, and in a spiritual sense, it is a symbol of Christ Himself, the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35).
Contrasted with this is the stone, which in biblical terms often represents judgment or something unyielding. The Ten Commandments were given on stone tablets, signifying the unbreakable nature of God’s law. However, in the context of Jesus’ teaching, the stone symbolizes something that is useless or even harmful when given in place of bread. Here, the stone can be seen as the harshness of judgment or the weight of the law without the grace of Christ.
Reflecting on this contrast, we can consider how we might at times settle for the “stones” of judgment in our lives, whether in the form of self-condemnation or the harshness we might direct toward others. The Spiritual Exercises encourage us to examine our hearts: Are we seeking the life-giving “bread” that Jesus offers, or are we clinging to the “stones” of judgment? In our prayer and meditation, we are invited to open our hands and hearts to receive the bread of grace, allowing it to transform us from within.
The Snake of Temptation versus the Fish of Creation: The image of the snake in Scripture immediately brings to mind the serpent in the Garden of Eden, a symbol of temptation and deception. In the second week of the Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius encourages us to contemplate the life of Christ, to understand His mission, and to recognize the ways in which we are called to follow Him. In this context, the snake represents the temptations that draw us away from God’s will—those subtle deceptions that promise life but lead to spiritual death.
Jesus contrasts the snake with the fish, a symbol of creation and abundance. In the creation narrative, fish are part of the fullness of life that God blesses and commands to be fruitful (Genesis 1:20-23). Fish also play a significant role in the Gospels, particularly in the miracles where Jesus multiplies the loaves and fishes to feed the multitudes, symbolizing God’s abundant provision and care.
In our reflective journey, we might meditate on the ways in which we are tempted by the “snakes” in our lives—those false promises of happiness or success that ultimately leave us empty. The Spiritual Exercises guide us to discern the movements of the Spirit, helping us to recognize when we are being led toward the “fish” of divine provision and when we are being lured by the “snake” of temptation. By contemplating the life of Christ, we learn to choose the path of life, trusting that God’s gifts are always good and life-giving.
Eden, the Fall, and God’s Redeeming Gifts: The story of Eden and the Fall is a central theme in understanding the human condition. In the third week of the Spiritual Exercises, we are invited to enter into the Passion of Christ, to understand the depth of God’s love and the seriousness of sin. The Fall represents the introduction of sin, death, and separation from God—symbolized by the serpent’s deception and Adam and Eve’s choice to eat the forbidden fruit.
Yet, even in the midst of this brokenness, God’s desire to give good gifts to His children remains. The bread and fish in Matthew 7 symbolize God’s ongoing desire to sustain and restore us. They are reminders of the original harmony in Eden, where God provided abundantly for all creation. Even though the Fall introduced pain and suffering into the world, God’s response is not to give us stones or snakes, but to offer us the bread of life and the fish of abundance.
In this light, the Spiritual Exercises invite us to meditate on God’s redeeming love. As we reflect on the Passion of Christ, we see that God’s ultimate gift to us is His Son, who takes on our sin and offers us new life. The cross, once a symbol of judgment (a stone), becomes the source of our salvation (the bread of life). The death of Christ undoes the work of the serpent, opening the way for us to once again partake in the abundance of God’s creation.
Trusting in God’s Goodness: Finally, in the fourth week of the Spiritual Exercises, we are invited to meditate on the Resurrection and to live in the joy and freedom that comes from being loved and redeemed by God. The question that Jesus poses—if you ask for bread, will I give you a stone?—challenges us to trust in God’s goodness. Even in the midst of life’s difficulties and temptations, we are called to believe that God desires to give us what is truly good.
This trust is not a naïve optimism but a deep-seated faith that God’s love for us is unwavering. The Spiritual Exercises teach us to discern the movements of our hearts, to recognize the ways in which God is leading us toward life and to trust that His gifts are always for our good. This trust leads us to a deeper relationship with God, where we can confidently ask for what we need, knowing that He will provide.
Conclusion: As we conclude this reflective journey, we see that the symbols of bread, stone, fish, and snake in Matthew 7:9-11 are not just elements of a parable, but profound metaphors that connect us to the broader narrative of Scripture and our own spiritual lives. Through the lens of the Spiritual Exercises, we are invited to explore these symbols in a way that deepens our understanding of God’s love and challenges us to grow in trust and faith.
The bread of life calls us to receive God’s grace and to reject the stones of judgment that can harden our hearts. The fish of creation reminds us of God’s abundant provision, even as we navigate the temptations symbolized by the snake. And the story of Eden and the Fall teaches us that even in our brokenness, God’s desire is to restore us and to lead us back to the fullness of life.
In our daily lives, as we meditate on these symbols and their meanings, we are encouraged to turn to God with confidence, knowing that He is a loving Father who gives good gifts to His children. Through prayer, discernment, and reflection, we can learn to recognize these gifts, embrace them, and live in the freedom and joy that come from trusting in God’s infinite goodness.
Visualisation
Let us create an image in words that captures the divine gifts (bread, fish, and the Holy Spirit) in opposition to stones, snakes, and harmful gifts (cadeaux). Here’s a detailed description of how this could be visually represented:
Divine Gifts
- Bread:
- Visual Representation: A loaf of fresh, golden-brown bread with steam rising, symbolizing nourishment and life. The bread could be placed on a simple, rustic table, illuminated by a warm, gentle light that suggests divine presence and care.
- Symbolic Meaning: Represents God’s provision, sustenance, and the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ.
- Fish:
- Visual Representation: A pair of fish, vibrant and full of life, perhaps leaping out of a clear, sparkling stream. The fish could be surrounded by lush greenery, symbolizing abundance, creation, and God’s generous provision.
- Symbolic Meaning: Represents the abundance of God’s creation, spiritual nourishment, and the miracles of Jesus.
- Holy Spirit:
- Visual Representation: A radiant dove, descending from above with wings outstretched, surrounded by soft rays of light. The dove is often depicted with a gentle glow, symbolizing purity and divine presence. Below the dove, there might be a gentle breeze causing ripples in water or light to move in a way that suggests the movement of the Spirit.
- Symbolic Meaning: Represents the Holy Spirit, God’s presence, guidance, and the source of wisdom and comfort.
Opposing Forces
- Stones:
- Visual Representation: Cold, harsh stones, piled up roughly, perhaps with sharp edges, lying in a barren and desolate landscape. The stones could be depicted with a gray or dark color palette, suggesting their lifelessness and the hardness of judgment or condemnation.
- Symbolic Meaning: Represents judgment, lack of life, and something that is harsh and unyielding.
- Snakes:
- Visual Representation: A coiled serpent, dark and sinister, with piercing eyes, positioned as if ready to strike. The background might be dimly lit, emphasizing the snake’s dangerous and deceptive nature. The snake’s surroundings could be dry and withered, symbolizing the destructive nature of temptation.
- Symbolic Meaning: Represents temptation, deceit, and the introduction of sin and death, echoing the serpent in the Garden of Eden.
- Harmful Gifts (Cadeaux):
- Visual Representation: A beautifully wrapped gift, but with something ominous and unsettling about it. Perhaps the ribbon is frayed, or the box is slightly torn, revealing something undesirable or dangerous within. The gift could be placed in a setting that looks attractive at first glance but reveals decay or harm upon closer inspection.
- Symbolic Meaning: Represents false or harmful gifts, things that appear good on the outside but contain something destructive or deceptive within.
Composition
The image could be divided into two halves. On one side, the divine gifts are bathed in warm, inviting light, with elements of life, abundance, and peace. On the other side, the opposing forces are set in a darker, more foreboding atmosphere, emphasizing their harmful nature and the contrast between God’s true gifts and the deceptive offerings of the world.
This visual dichotomy serves as a powerful reminder of the choices we face in life—between the life-giving, sustaining gifts of God and the lifeless, harmful temptations that seek to lead us astray.
How does this reading apply to our current situations and our askings
Let’s explore how the reading from Matthew 7:9-11 can apply to our current situations and the way we approach asking God for what we need.
1. Trusting in God’s Provision
In our daily lives, we often find ourselves in situations where we have specific needs or desires—whether they are material, emotional, or spiritual. This passage reminds us that when we ask God for what we need, we should trust in His goodness and His desire to provide for us. Just as a loving parent would not give their child something harmful when asked for something good, God, who is infinitely more loving, will not give us something that is ultimately harmful.
Application: When you find yourself in need—whether it’s clarity in decision-making, peace in a time of stress, or physical provision—bring these needs to God in prayer. Trust that He hears you and desires what is best for you. This doesn’t mean that we will always get what we ask for in the way we expect, but it means that God’s response will always be rooted in His perfect love and wisdom.
2. Discernment in What We Ask For
The passage also encourages us to reflect on what we are asking for. Sometimes, we might ask for something that seems good to us, but in God’s greater wisdom, it might not be the best thing for us. For example, we might desire success in a particular career or relationship, but God might know that this path would lead us away from Him or bring unnecessary pain.
Application: When asking for something in prayer, it’s important to approach God with an open heart, willing to accept His will, even if it differs from our own desires. Practicing discernment—seeking to align our desires with God’s will—can help us grow in our relationship with Him. You might pray, “Lord, this is what I desire, but I trust in your wisdom. Please guide me and give me what you know is best for my life.”
3. Recognizing God’s Answers
Sometimes, we might feel that God hasn’t answered our prayers because we haven’t received exactly what we asked for. However, this passage invites us to recognize that God’s answers may come in different forms. He might provide something even better than what we asked for, or He might close a door to protect us from something harmful.
Application: Reflect on your past prayers and how God has answered them. You might realize that in some cases, what seemed like a “no” was actually a “yes” to something better. This recognition can help us develop a deeper trust in God’s plans and timing.
4. Facing Life’s Challenges with Faith
Life’s challenges often lead us to question why certain difficulties are happening or why our prayers for relief aren’t being answered as we’d hoped. The stone and snake in the passage symbolize the fear that we might receive something harmful instead of good. Jesus reassures us that God’s nature is not to give us “stones” or “snakes,” but rather what will truly nourish and sustain us.
Application: In moments of struggle or uncertainty, remember that God is with you, working all things for your good, even if you can’t see it right away. You can use this passage as a reminder to hold onto faith, knowing that God is providing what you need, even if it’s not immediately apparent.
5. Practicing Gratitude
Finally, this passage encourages us to be aware of the good gifts God has already given us and to cultivate a heart of gratitude. Often, we can be so focused on what we don’t have that we forget to thank God for the countless blessings He has already provided.
Application: Take time each day to reflect on the ways God has provided for you—whether it’s through the love of family and friends, the beauty of creation, or the peace that comes from prayer. By focusing on these gifts, you can deepen your trust in God’s ongoing provision and grow in gratitude.
Conclusion
In our current situations, whether we are facing challenges, seeking guidance, or simply striving to live in closer communion with God, this passage from Matthew 7:9-11 offers profound reassurance and guidance. It reminds us that God’s nature is to give us what is good, to provide for us with love and wisdom, and to guide us in ways that lead to true life and peace.
As you continue in your journey, remember that God’s responses to our prayers are always rooted in His deep love for us. By trusting in His provision, practicing discernment, recognizing His answers, holding onto faith in difficult times, and cultivating gratitude, you can experience the fullness of God’s gifts in your life
