And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Son bring glory to the Father. You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.
The Lord Jesus in John's Gospel, Chapter 14 verses 13 and 14 NIV
A Gracious Promise
- To whom were these words spoken?
To the Apostles.
- When were these words spoken?
At the Last Supper, when Judas had left to betray the Lord Jesus.
- Why were these words spoken?
Because Philip had asked: "Lord, show us the Farther and that will be enough for us." (Verse 8)
- What was the Lord's answer?
"Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father." (Verse 9)
- What additional proofs of his identity did the Lord Jesus give?
1. His words (verse 10)
2. His works (verse 11)
3. The power He gives the disciples (verse 12)
4. His ability to answer prayer (verse 13)
- What obligation does the text lay on us?
We have to ask for all ("whatsoever") our needs
- What special reason do we have for asking the Lord Jesus?
The fact that our Lord Jesus has gone to the Father.
- What condition does our Lord lay down for granting prayer?
That it should be asked in His name.
- What does it mean "to ask in My Name"?
1. In connection with My person and work.
2. Authorized by My person and work.
3. Speaking on behalf of My person and work.
- What kind of things can we ask in the Name of our Lord Jesus?
Such things that extends His Kingdom, His Glory, or those things that are done under his authority.
- What promise do we have when we ask in His name?
That the Lord Jesus will do it - He will answer Himself.
- Why is it that we sometimes ask for wrong things?
Our knowledge and faith are not perfect - we often do not know what to pray for!
- What should we do?
We should carefully search for the will of God in our lives and circumstances.
- What should we do if we do not know what to ask for us?
We should make that clear in prayer as well - we should, under those circumstances, not ask "in the Name of the Lord Jesus," but clearly say: "if it is possible" or "show me what is best."
- What is the object of answering prayer?
"that the Son may bring glory to the Father"
- How does this happen?
The Son answers our prayers and requests, and his actions are in correspondence with the will and purpose of the Father. We gratefully thank God (Father, Son and Spirit) for the answered prayer!
- What lesson does this teach us?
That all our works and words should be done for the glory of God.
- What final encouragement do we receive from the Lord Jesus to approach God with all our needs?
Verse 14: "You may ask me for anything in My name, and I will do it."
Text Fourteen
Adapted from:
"The one hundred texts of the society for Irish Church Missions."
T.C. Hammond, Dublin. 1939