Ask, Seek, Knock: Abraham & Sodom

Summary

The Jesus Podcast

Episode: Ask, Seek, Knock: Abraham & Sodom

Host: Ethan (Pray.com)

Date: July 19, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Jesus Podcast artfully connects Jesus’ teaching on prayer from the Sermon on the Mount (“Ask, Seek, Knock”—Matthew 7:7-12) with the Old Testament story of Abraham’s intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18:16-33). Through prayerful reflection, Scriptural storytelling, and theological insight, the episode explores the themes of persistence, boldness, compassion, and trust in the character of God. The aim is to show how both Jesus and Abraham model bold and faithful approaches to God—inviting believers to pursue deeper, more confident prayer lives.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Invitation to Ask, Seek, and Knock (Matthew 7:7-12)

• Jesus assures His listeners that God welcomes persistent prayer:
  • “Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you.” (02:35, Jesus)
  • The imagery of “ask, seek, knock” emphasizes continuous, active pursuit of God.
• God is a good Father:
  • Jesus uses the example of a loving earthly parent to illustrate God’s willingness to bless His children:

    “Which of you, if your son asks you for bread, would give him a stone? …If you then who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven, give good things to those who ask him?” (03:06, Jesus)

• Persistence is highlighted as central to prayer:
  • “In Greek, these are present imperative verbs… ask and keep on asking. Seek and keep on seeking. Knock and keep on knocking. Don’t stop, don’t give up.” (14:14, Ethan)

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2. Linking the Sermon on the Mount with Abraham & Sodom

• The episode connects Jesus’ command to persistence in prayer with Abraham’s tenacious interceding for Sodom, offering a narrative retelling of Genesis 18.
• Abraham learns of God’s plan to judge Sodom and courageously advocates for mercy, negotiating with God on behalf of the city’s righteous:
  • “Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are 50 righteous people in the city?” (13:26, Abraham)
• God’s patience and mercy are demonstrated as He agrees to spare Sodom for fewer and fewer righteous people (50, 45, 40, 30, 20, and finally 10), each time responding favorably to Abraham’s boldness.

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3. Abraham’s Boldness and Compassion in Prayer

• Abraham’s negotiation is marked by humility and reverence:
  • “Since I have ventured to speak and even suggest anything at all to you, my God, and even though I am but dust and ashes, suppose the 50 righteous lack five…” (15:31, Abraham)
• Abraham advocates repeatedly for mercy, moving from 50 to 10 righteous—each time God reassures him:
  • “I will not destroy it on account of 10.” (20:50, God)
• The episode highlights the emotional complexity Abraham feels: justice versus compassion, God’s sovereignty versus the plight of innocents.
• Abraham’s example frames intercessory prayer as selfless—praying for others, even those who may not deserve it, and reflecting the heart of God.

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4. Jesus’ Teaching Applied: Persistence, Trust, and Intercession

• Persistence in Prayer is essential:
  • “Persistence in prayer demonstrates our faith and dependence on God.” (14:14, Ethan)
• Trusting in God’s Goodness despite unanswered or mysterious outcomes:
  • “We can continue to pray with the assurance that he is good, even if he is at times mysterious.” (15:18, Ethan)
• God’s Posture: God is portrayed as near and attentive—a loving father, not a distant, disappointed parent:
  • “Picture a father who bends down to listen to the requests of his children. Is this not what God is doing with Abraham? …He’s right next to him, nodding his head, responding.” (16:25, Ethan)
• Practical Takeaways for Listeners:
  • Approach God with boldness and confidence (Hebrews 4:16)
  • Be persistent—keep asking, seeking, knocking
  • Trust in God’s goodness—He desires to give good gifts
  • Practice intercessory prayer—stand in the gap for others as Abraham did

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Ask and keep on asking. Seek and keep on seeking. Knock and keep on knocking. Don’t stop, don’t give up.”
  — Ethan, on continuous action in prayer (14:14)
• “Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? …I could not possibly imagine you doing such a thing. … I know that it is your place to bring justice, and you are the judge of the whole earth. But how could this be just?”
  — Abraham’s heartfelt intercession (13:26-13:38)
• “Your compassion makes you a worthy leader to your people. I will make you this promise. If I find 50 righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”
  — God’s response to Abraham’s compassion (14:06)
• “Not all of us have had a good earthly father… But we mustn’t let that tarnish our view of God as a perfect, loving, and deeply attentive father.”
  — Ethan, reflecting on God’s fatherhood (15:38)
• “Abraham’s prayer was not for himself, but for the people of Sodom. His intercession for them shows the importance of praying for others and seeking God’s mercy on their behalf.”
  — Ethan, on the selflessness of intercession (17:26)

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Important Timestamps

• 02:35 — Jesus quotes Matthew 7:7-8: Ask, Seek, Knock
• 03:06 — Jesus’ teaching on God giving “good gifts”
• 06:41 — Host Ethan introduces the connection between Jesus’ teaching and Abraham
• 07:53 – 20:54 — Immersive dramatization of Abraham’s plea for Sodom, featuring:
  • God’s plan revealed (09:22)
  • Abraham’s first intercession (13:26)
  • The negotiation: 50, 45, 40, 30, 20, 10 (15:31, 17:22, 19:09, 20:38)
• 14:14 — Host Ethan explains the Greek present imperative (“keep on asking…”)
• 14:23 – 21:00 — Abraham’s emotional struggle; God’s repeated reassurance
• 24:14 – 27:00 — Practical application: boldness, persistence, trust, intercession
• 16:25/15:38 — God as a near and loving father
• 31:30 – Episode End — Final reflection and prayer; encouragement to persist in prayer

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Conclusion

This episode vividly blends storytelling, exposition, and practical encouragement, inviting listeners to:

• Pray persistently with boldness, trusting God’s closeness and goodness,
• Intercede for others, following Abraham’s compassionate example, and
• Reframe their understanding of God from a distant judge to a loving Father eager to respond.

The dramatized narrative and thoughtful application serve to make ancient stories alive and personally relevant, challenging listeners to persist in faith-filled prayer—even when faced with uncertainty or unanswered questions.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

Ask and it will be given you. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened for you. Matthew 7:7 Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude, thanking you for your boundless love and faithfulness. You have promised that if we ask, seek and knock, you will respond. Your word reassures us that you are a God who listens and provides, and for this we are deeply thankful. We acknowledge our need for you in every aspect of our lives. We are often weak and uncertain, but your promise gives us hope and courage. Help us to remember that you are always near, ready to hear our prayers and answer them according to your perfect will. Give us the faith to ask without hesitation to seek you with all of our hearts and to knock persistently at the door of your grace. Remove any doubt or fear that hinders our prayers. Then fill us with the confidence that you are a good father who delights in giving good gifts to your children. Empower us to be a force for good in our homes, community and beyond, reflecting your love and grace to everyone we encounter. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for another episode connecting the beauty of the Sermon on the Mount with the drama of the Old Testament. If you enjoy it, be sure to subscribe and share this podcast with a friend. Jesus looked upon the faces of his disciples and all those before him as God himself. He knew the pleas of their hearts. He knew the whispered sighs of desperation in the night. He knew the anxious prayers for provision. He knew their desires, hopes and dreams.

[Jesus]

Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives and the one who seeks finds. And to the one who knocks, it shall be opened.

[Narrator]

Jesus was moved by compassion and stirred to action. So many prayers had been abandoned because people didn't understand God's heart.

[Jesus]

Which of you, if your son asks you for bread, would give him a stone? Or if he asked you for a fish, would give him a serpent? If you then who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven, give good things to those who ask him?

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[Ethan (Jesus Podcast Host)]

Prayer isn't a futile practice. God listens to our requests. He honors our humble, bold requests. The answers may mystify us, but one thing is always he hears our prayers. This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com join us as we continue our miniseries through the Sermon on the Mount. We've been connecting stories from the biblical narrative to the gospel message that Jesus spoke on the Sermon on the Mount. Today we turn our focus to a powerful teaching from Jesus found in Matthew, chapter 7, verses 7 through 12. This passage addresses the importance of boldness and persistence in prayer, encouraging us to seek God with confidence. We'll connect this teaching to the story of Abraham's negotiation for Sodom in Genesis, chapter 18, verses 16 through 33, highlighting the need for persistence and boldness when we seek the Lord. Together, we'll explore how to approach God with faith and determination, trusting in his goodness and mercy.

[Narrator]

After hours of talking and eating together, Abraham's three mysterious guests decided to take their leave. It was clear to Abraham at this point that they were somehow God himself. The idea confused him to no end, but then again, God had always been a mystery to him. A glorious, breathtaking mystery. Abraham extended an offer for them to stay the rest of the evening, as well as a place to sleep, but they were determined to continue their journey.

[Abraham]

If you are sure you must continue,

[Ethan (Jesus Podcast Host)]

at least let me walk with your

[Abraham]

ways and send you off.

[God]

You may do that, Abraham.

[Narrator]

The men walked together to the edge of Abraham's caravan. Once they cleared the tents, they could view the expanse of the land before them. The day was clear and they could see all the way to the salt sea in the east. They could even make out the outline of the city of Sodom, about 20 miles away, where Abraham's nephew Lot lived with his family. Out of the corner of his eye, Abraham saw that the men's eyes were fixed on Sodom in the distance as well. Suddenly, their leader turned to the other two and said, tell me what you think.

[God]

Should I hide what I'm about to do from Abraham?

[Narrator]

Abraham blinked in surprise at this question. What could he possibly mean? The other two men frowned as they considered the first's words, but they waited patiently for him to continue.

[God]

Abraham is about to become a great and powerful nation, and all the nations of the Earth will be blessed through him. He has been chosen so that he will command his children and his house after him to keep the way of the Lord Almighty. Their legacy will be one of honoring their God by doing what is right and just. And that legacy will fulfill to Abraham what he has been promised.

[Narrator]

Abraham was again taken aback. How much this stranger knew about him and about the ways and very words of his God. And yet there had been something about him, a nagging familiarity in the back of Abraham's mind. It was as if he was a human representative of his God.

[God]

My Lord, tell Abraham what you want him to know.

[Ethan (Jesus Podcast Host)]

Yes, my Lord. You must do as you see fit.

[God]

Abraham, listen to me. The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is immense. The victims of this terrible wickedness plead for justice. The sins of both Sodom and Gomorrah are extremely serious. I am going to go down and see for myself if what they have done justifies the cry that has come up me. If not, I will find out.

[Narrator]

Abraham did not know what to make of these words. He stood dumbfounded. The guest he had welcomed into his home appeared to be his God. The God Almighty had broken bread with him, drank his wine and listened to all his stories for hours. Abraham was amazed. And then there was the matter of what he had spoken about the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The other two men nodded gravely at God Almighty's words.

[Ethan (Jesus Podcast Host)]

Yes, my Lord.

[Abraham]

Your judgment will be carried out according to your will, My Lord.

[Ethan (Jesus Podcast Host)]

Would you have us continue on our way?

[God]

Yes, go ahead of me and scout out the city. See what you make of its inhabitants. I sense that my chosen one, Abraham, has more to say.

[Narrator]

The two men, if they were men at all, Abraham realized, bowed their heads in reverence to their God. Then they turned to Abraham and acknowledged him as well, before departing in the direction of Sodom.

[God]

Abraham, tell me what is on your mind?

[Narrator]

Abraham swallowed and considered all that was racing through his mind. He wasn't sure where to even begin. He had seen his God's power in Egypt, how he had brought plagues upon the household of the Pharaoh, but nowhere else. He had seen how his God had guided his hand in battle and brought them victory against King Kedorlaomer and his armies, even when it defied all the odds. Countless men had fallen at his hands, and their deaths were warranted. They had been locked in battle, and Abraham committed to rescuing his nephew, Lot. But the destruction of a city, a city filled with thousands of people, including innocents and civilians, was another Matter entirely.

[Abraham]

My God. Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are 50 righteous people in the city?

[Ethan (Jesus Podcast Host)]

Will you really sweep it all away

[Abraham]

instead of sparing the place for the sake of the 50 righteous people who are in it? I could not possibly imagine you doing such a thing. Killing the righteous along with the wicked? Treating the righteous and the wicked alike. You couldn't possibly do that. I don't understand. I know that it is your place to bring justice, and you are the judge of the whole earth. But how could this be just?

[God]

Abraham, I hear your concerns. Your compassion makes you a worthy leader to your people. I will make you this promise. If I find 50 righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.

[Narrator]

Relief coursed through Abraham's body as he sighed. His God would spare the righteous. That was fair. He could live with that. But Abraham then began to consider his nephew Lot and his household. Surely they would be found among the righteous. He hoped. He had certainly done his best to impart all he knew and encourage Lot to walk the righteous path. Yes, he felt confident that that would be enough to save Lot and his household. But what of their friends and neighbors? He knew his nephew had built a life in Sodom, gaining back the wealth and stability he had before the raid on King Kedorlaomer. He wondered if Lot had shared the ways of their God with them. Abraham hoped the number of the righteous in Sodom, influenced by Lot himself, would be larger than 50. But he feared that it might not be.

[Abraham]

Since I have ventured to speak and even suggest anything at all to you, my God, and even though I am dust and ashes, suppose the 50 righteous lack 5. Will you destroy the whole city for the lack of five?

[God]

I will not destroy it if I find 45 there.

[Abraham]

Suppose 40 are found there.

[God]

I will not do it on account of 40.

[Narrator]

But then he remembered some of the atrocious things he had heard about the city of Sodom over the years. Stories of depraved sexual immoral acts. Unsavory deeds like thievery and extortion. Lying, cheating and killing without conscience. Surely the judgment of his God was needed against those partaking in such savagery and brutality. But yet he had gone to battle and fought to win back his nephew Lot, and the others who were held captive along with him. Surely they deserved to be spared. Many of them were women and young children, and still many more were slaves. They did not have the same autonomy as a man of a great household or high standing might have. They had been led astray by the society around them. How could they be held responsible? He couldn't imagine abandoning these innocents to whatever terrible fate awaited the wicked in Sodom. Perhaps some of them would have found a way to a righteous path. He would have to hope that it was so. Even if the number of righteous was fewer than than he hoped. Would they be spared on the account of the few?

[Abraham]

My God, please do not be angry, but I will speak further. Suppose only 30 are found there.

[God]

I will not do it if I find 30 there.

[Narrator]

Abraham then considered the people he had lived among and even fought alongside to win back the stolen from Sodom. The Amorites, his friend Mamre, Einar and Eshkol. They had grown distant, it was true. The longer Abraham walked with his God, the less he could tolerate some of their differences. These were men who neither understood nor embraced the God Most High. They had dined with the mysterious High Priest and seen the Most High God deliver them from from certain death time and time again in battle. Yet they still had not come to believe. Abraham knew in his heart of hearts that they probably never would. But they had once been his allies. They had honored allegiances and been guests at one another's homes. Could Abraham stand by and watch? Watch them meet a fate like the one that awaited the people of Sodom? Abraham was not so sure. Compassion again surged in his heart when he thought about his lost friends. He also considered how many more were lost in a city like Sodom. With a heavy heart, he wondered how many cities sinned without truly understanding the damage it would do or what it would cost.

[Abraham]

I know I have already spoken my concerns, but please, my God, suppose only 20 are found there.

[God]

I will not destroy it on account of 20.

[Narrator]

Abraham had traveled the length and breadth of Canaan for several years before finally settling in Hebron. In his wanderings he met hostiles, of course, but mostly they were men and women who simply did not know his God. They did not know what was right and blindly deceived themselves into wickedness. Even before Canaan, the peoples of Haran and Ur were similarly ensnared in their own sin and following false claims. Gods tears sprang to Abraham's eyes as he imagined a lonely future for himself and his family. Were they to be alone in pursuing righteousness while the world writhed in its deception and devious deeds. In a place like Sodom, should even association with sinners be enough to be consumed? Maybe even more were lost there than he knew. But for those who would stand strong, would such A minority of righteous people be enough to spare themselves from the judgment of the masses.

[Abraham]

My God, please, please do not be angry. But I will speak one one final time. Suppose only 10 are found there.

[God]

I will not destroy it on account of 10.

[Narrator]

After Abraham's God departed to see about Sodom, Abraham walked for a long time on his own, processing what was to come. He knew his God was right in his authority and right in his judgment. But when he thought of those who were oppressed and abused by the wickedness of Sodom, for this was the need for justice, Abraham had to acknowledge that his heart was still broken. It was complicated, these feelings. Loving justice and having compassion was no easy task. He longed for a world in which everyone knew and understood what it was to walk the path of righteousness. He longed for a world in which everyone knew and understood his God. Abraham did not regret or question his decision to answer the call of his God. It was not always straightforward, but it was far better than anything else he had known. Abraham walked and walked until the early morning hours and wondered when judgment for Sodom would come.

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[Ethan (Jesus Podcast Host)]

Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives. The one who seeks finds. And to the one who knocks, the door will be opened Jesus encourages us to be persistent and bold in our prayers. He assures us that our heavenly Father is good and desires to give us good gifts. The imagery of asking, seeking, and knocking emphasizes the importance of active and continuous pursuit in our relationship with God. If we dig deeper into the original Greek for this passage, we can see that ask, seek, and knock are respectively ito, ztio, and kreo. In the Greek, these are present imperative verbs, which is a fancy way of saying that they mean continuous or repeated action. So a better way of understanding what Jesus is saying in this passage is ask and keep on asking. Seek and keep on seeking. Knock and keep on knocking. Don't stop, don't give up. The story of Abraham negotiating with God for the city of Sodom is a powerful example of bold and persistent prayer. After God revealed his plan to destroy Sodom due to its great wickedness, Abraham approaches God with a bold request for mercy. Abraham asked God if he would spare the city if 50 righteous people were found there. When God agreed, Abraham continued to negotiate, reducing the number to 45, then 40, 30, 20, and finally 10. Each time, God responded with patience and grace, agreeing to Abraham's requests. Despite knowing the wickedness of Sodom, Abraham persistently interceded for the city, demonstrating his faith in God's mercy and justice. Abraham approached God with confidence, knowing that God is just and merciful. Jesus encourages us to come to our Father with the same boldness, trusting that he hears and answers our prayers. We can be confident in our prayers because we know we are speaking to a loving and just God who desires the very best for us. Abraham's repeated requests show the importance of persistence in prayer. Jesus teaching on asking, seeking, and knocking emphasizes the need to be continuous in our pursuit of God's will. Persistence in prayer demonstrates our faith and dependence on God. It shows that we trust him enough to keep coming back to him with our needs, our concerns. Jesus also assures us that God, our heavenly Father, gives good gifts to those who ask him. Abraham trusted in God's goodness and mercy which gave him the boldness to intercede for Sodom. Trusting in God's goodness allows us to pray with the expectation that he will provide what is best for us. It reassures us that even when our prayers are not answered in the way we expect, God's response is always rooted in his perfect love and his great wisdom. Let's speak truthfully with each other here. Not all of us have had a good earthly father. Some of us might feel distant from our earthly fathers or perhaps never knew them at all. But we mustn't let that tarnish our view of God as a perfect, loving and deeply attentive father. He hears us, he listens, he loves us, and he responds to us. While his answers sometimes might confuse us, we can continue to pray with the assurance that he is good, even if he is at times mysterious. If we view God as some disappointed dad, shaking his head at us, rolling his eyes, or even becoming angry with us, it will most certainly hinder our prayer life. Picture a father who bends down to listen to the requests of his children. Is this not what God is doing with Abraham? He isn't far away in heaven, listening. He's right next to him, nodding his head, responding. This is a symbol of God's posture towards all of his children. He's here. He's very near and he is listening. Let's talk about Abraham for a moment. Abraham's prayer was not for himself, but for the people of Sodom. His intercession for them shows the importance of praying for others and seeking God's mercy on their behalf. This is Abraham reflecting the character and the nature of God. This truly intercessory prayer reflects God's love and concern for others. It aligns us with his heart, which is always seeking to bring grace and redemption to his creation. So what are some practical applications for us today? What can we learn and glean from Abraham's prayer to God? First, we learn to approach God with confidence and boldness. Hebrews chapter 4, verse 6 says, Let us then with confidence, draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. We can trust that he hears us and that he desires to respond to our requests. Our bold prayers demonstrate our faith in God's power and willingness to act on our behalf. They invite us to dream big and to align our thoughts, our ways, with God's. Second, be persistent. Don't give up in prayer. Ask, keep on asking, Seek, keep on seeking. Knock and keep on knocking. Continue to ask, seek and knock, trusting that God will answer in his perfect timing. Persistence in prayer builds our character and deepens our relationship with God. It teaches us patience and trust, reminding us that God's timing is always perfect. Third, trust in God's goodness. Believe that God desires to give good gifts to his children. Trust that he knows what is best for you and will provide according to his will. Trusting in God's goodness helps us to pray with a heart of gratitude and expectation, knowing that he is working all things for our good. Lastly, intercede. Stand in the gap for others just like Abraham did. Pray for others and seek God's mercy on their behalf. Be an advocate in prayer, lifting up the needs of those around you. Intercessory prayer is a powerful way to serve others and to participate in God's work of redemption. It connects us to the broader community of believers and strengthens our bonds of love and unity. As we reflect on Jesus words in Matthew, chapter 7, verses 7 through 12 and the story of Abraham's negotiation for Sodom, let us be reminded of the importance of boldness and persistence in prayer. May we approach God with confidence, persist in seeking his will, trusting in his goodness and interceding for others. Let us pray for the grace and wisdom to be true citizens of heaven, living out the boldness and persistence in prayer that Jesus calls us to. Thanks again for listening to the Jesus Podcast. Take a moment to follow this podcast on whatever platform you're listening on. If you're interested in more daily prayers, devotionals and resources to enrich your faith, download the Pray.com app today.

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[Ethan (Jesus Podcast Host)]

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