The answer is: Three

Luke 11:5-6

In this curious story from Luke 11, Christ uses a parable to illustrate the importance of persistence in prayer and community. Imagine a friend arriving at your door at the most inconvenient hour—midnight! And the request? Bread! Not just a mere snack, but specifically three loaves. These three loaves can be a fun symbol; bread in the Bible often represents sustenance, wisdom, and sharing within the community.

Bread isn't just an item; it’s drenched in deeper meaning across biblical narratives. For instance, it’ll remind us of another loaf of bread shared at the Last Supper, which symbolizes breaking barriers and uniting people. Here, three loaves could also allude to many layers of support and requests—suggesting we don’t need to hold back from bringing big and even small needs to God or our friends.

Interesting trivia flips this insight—most homes in Biblical times had a small family unit, reference points where hospitality was strong. Ancient Jewish life emphasized generosity, framing a call for what it means to really support one another. So, when Jesus calls out his "hungry friend" trope, He's nudging generous corners into our thinking. It’s a lively reminder of kindness—not just in good times, but especially in the wee hours, when someone might need our help the most. Missing your bus at midnight? Ask for those three loaves; it turns out, food becomes options far beyond just snack time!