father would never intentionally give his children a dangerous animal. He wants to give his children only what is good. And then Jesus gives the “how much more” argument. In contrast with natural fathers who give good gifts to their children, God gives what is best to His children. When Jesus gave this teaching, the Holy Spirit did not yet indwell every believer (John 14:17; Acts 1:4). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in Old Testament times was temporary. The Holy Spirit came on some believers to enable them for special tasks. Under the New Covenant after the Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit permanently indwells every believer. So, the Holy Spirit symbolizes here God’s greatest possible gift for the disciples who first heard this teaching.
