John 16:23-24
Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.- John 16:23b
John chapters 13 to 17 record the words that Jesus spoke to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. They listened to Him, but they did not understand (John 16:17-18). The news that Jesus would be leaving them made them sorrowful (John 16:20).
Jesus saw their sorrow and spoke to the confused and grieving disciples, saying, “In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. ” (verse 23). When He said, “In that day,” Jesus was pointing to the time when the Holy Spirit would come after His resurrection and ascension (John 16:13).
After Jesus rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and the Holy Spirit came, the relationship between the disciples and Jesus would be different from before. In the past, they followed Jesus and served alongside Him wherever He went. Now, the physical presence of Jesus was no longer with them. What they saw was the fact of His resurrection, and they saw Him being taken up to heaven (Luke 24:51). They now had the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and everything became clear. Christ’s resurrection brought the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And at that time, the Lord was in those who believed, and those who believed were in Him, united as one. Therefore, the disciples could now directly come before the Father to pray.
Jesus told the disciples, “Whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” (verse 23). What a great promise! “Praying in the name of Jesus” means praying “for His sake,” that is, praying according to His will. Clearly, this promise is given to all who follow Jesus, including you and me. Thank God for granting us the authority to pray. We all pray in the name of the Lord Jesus. However, we have a lifelong lesson to learn: that is, to continually examine whether our prayers are for the sake of the Lord, and whether they align with His will. Over the years, have our prayers shifted from personal needs to a deeper desire to align with God’s heart?
Jesus also said to the disciples, “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (verse 24). After Jesus ascended, the Holy Spirit, would dwell in the disciples. He would work in their lives, guiding those who believe and follow the Lord to understand all the truth (John 16:13), and cultivating a longing to fellowship with the Lord. Indeed, fellowship with Jesus is the key to finding joy. A Christian who does not have a living and intimate relationship with Jesus will not experience the fullness of joy. Even if we have abundant knowledge about Jesus or serve diligently and faithfully, these will not bring us full and lasting joy if we lack personal and intimate fellowship with Jesus.
Prayer:
Dear Abba Father, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in us after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Thank You for the Spirit of truth who helps us understand all things, works in us, and creates in us a longing to fellowship with You. Help us not to seek temporary and fleeting happiness, but to find the joy that You promised, the joy that satisfies. In the victorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray. Amen!
John chapters 13 to 17 record the words that Jesus spoke to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. They listened to Him, but they did not understand (John 16:17-18). The news that Jesus would be leaving them made them sorrowful (John 16:20).
Jesus saw their sorrow and spoke to the confused and grieving disciples, saying, “In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. ” (verse 23). When He said, “In that day,” Jesus was pointing to the time when the Holy Spirit would come after His resurrection and ascension (John 16:13).
After Jesus rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and the Holy Spirit came, the relationship between the disciples and Jesus would be different from before. In the past, they followed Jesus and served alongside Him wherever He went. Now, the physical presence of Jesus was no longer with them. What they saw was the fact of His resurrection, and they saw Him being taken up to heaven (Luke 24:51). They now had the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and everything became clear. Christ’s resurrection brought the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And at that time, the Lord was in those who believed, and those who believed were in Him, united as one. Therefore, the disciples could now directly come before the Father to pray.
Jesus told the disciples, “Whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” (verse 23). What a great promise! “Praying in the name of Jesus” means praying “for His sake,” that is, praying according to His will. Clearly, this promise is given to all who follow Jesus, including you and me. Thank God for granting us the authority to pray. We all pray in the name of the Lord Jesus. However, we have a lifelong lesson to learn: that is, to continually examine whether our prayers are for the sake of the Lord, and whether they align with His will. Over the years, have our prayers shifted from personal needs to a deeper desire to align with God’s heart?
Jesus also said to the disciples, “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (verse 24). After Jesus ascended, the Holy Spirit, would dwell in the disciples. He would work in their lives, guiding those who believe and follow the Lord to understand all the truth (John 16:13), and cultivating a longing to fellowship with the Lord. Indeed, fellowship with Jesus is the key to finding joy. A Christian who does not have a living and intimate relationship with Jesus will not experience the fullness of joy. Even if we have abundant knowledge about Jesus or serve diligently and faithfully, these will not bring us full and lasting joy if we lack personal and intimate fellowship with Jesus.
Prayer:
Dear Abba Father, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in us after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Thank You for the Spirit of truth who helps us understand all things, works in us, and creates in us a longing to fellowship with You. Help us not to seek temporary and fleeting happiness, but to find the joy that You promised, the joy that satisfies. In the victorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray. Amen!