John 16:23–27 (WEL) “In that day, you will ask me no questions. Very truly I say to you, whatever you may ask the Father in my name, he will give you. 24 “Up to now, you have asked for nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, so that your joy may be fulfilled. 25 “I have spoken these things in veiled language, but the time comes when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 “In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say that I will request the Father on your behalf, 27 “For the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and believed that I came forth from the Father.”
V23 “In that day, you will ask me no questions. Very truly I say to you, whatever you may ask the Father in my name, he will give you.”
This happens after the resurrection during the 40 days that Jesus is with them. The Holy Spirit indwells them on Pentecost and is their Helper (teacher, convictor, guide, encourager, etc.).
At the time Jesus spoke these words, the disciples could ask Jesus face to face, but after Jesus ascends to heaven, we will not be alone. Now we ask for wisdom in prayer to the Father in Jesus’s name.
I believe this is the first time we are instructed to specially pray to the Father in Jesus’s name. We do so to honor our Lord Jesus. Compare John 14:13 (Jesus is still with them, plus His words “I will do for you”).
V24 “Up to now, you have asked for nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, so that your joy may be fulfilled.”
Answered prayers, whether the answer is yes, no, wait, etc., come only from God.
The answer we ask for might not be granted, but it must be in the will of God (1 John 5:14–15).
King Solomon’s prayer was granted, plus he received even more blessings (1 Kings 3:1–14).
Jesus’s prayer was not granted, but Jesus accepted that fact (Luke 22:42).
Principle: When we pray, ask boldly. When the answer comes, praise God whether the answer is granted or not granted. God’s gifts come with God’s joy.
V25 “I have spoken these things in veiled language, but the time comes when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.
The Apostles, in their office and ministry, were shown the reality of many mysteries. See Romans 16:25, 1 Corinthians 2:1, 1 Corinthians 2:7, and 1 Corinthians 15:51.
After His resurrection, Jesus taught His disciples intensively.
The Bible, particularly the New Testament, reveals many mysteries that the believers in the Old Testament did not understand.
We must always take the words of the Holy Spirit seriously in their plain, normal sense.
We in turn then tell others what we have learned.
V26 “In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say that I will request the Father on your behalf.
We ask in Jesus’s name because He is now the High Priest, Mediator, and Lord of the Church (believers).
Today we ask the Father directly in Jesus’s name. We do not need some “saint” to intercede for us. Compare John 14:23 and Matthew 6:6–9.
Robertson points out (Word Pictures in the New Testament (6 Vols.)) “Here it is the special love of God for disciples of Jesus (John 14:21–23; John 17:23; 1 John 4:19).”
V27 “For the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and believed that I came forth from the Father.”
Note:
The Father, God the Father, loves those who have faith and trust in Him.
The condition is their faith, trust, loyalty, and love to God the Son, Jesus Christ.
God does love the world of all humanity that they would believe in His Son. When a person does believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Father has a special love for believers because:
- We are justified (declared righteous)—Romans 5:1
- We are forgiven—1 John 1:9
- We are reconciled to the Creator—2 Corinthians 5:18
- We have fellowship with God—1 John 1:7
- We are adopted sons and daughters—Romans 8:15
- We are the sheep of His pasture—Psalm 100:3 and 1 Peter 2:25
- We are His jewels—Malachi 3:17
- And many other blessings—Ephesians 1:3
We learn:
- About prayer
- About God’s blessings for believers
Questions:
- Do you have a prayer list and pray it every day?
- What are some of the daily blessings you have received from God?