John 16:23-24 23In that day, you will not question me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give to you. 24Until now you have not asked for anything in my name; ask and you will receive, in order that your joy may be made full.
Jesus’ reference to that day could refer to his resurrection or his coming again, or both. The rest of verses 23-24 suggest that the day would soon be there, and the disciples would have much to ask for. Thus, the day seems more of a reference to when they will see Jesus again, alive, resurrected, and victorious over death. The time was coming when he would no longer be with them physically but spiritually through the Holy Spirit. When the Helper comes, their minds would be opened and understanding would come. Their fear would be replaced with assurance. The questions they had been asking Jesus at their last supper would be answered.
Jesus’ next solemn statement is a reminder to them of his position of intercession with the Father. As the Way (14:6), he is the Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) to the Father. The verb ask () has the connotation of prayer in this verse. Whatever indicates that there is no limit. In my name qualifies the asking because it must be done to glorify and honor Jesus. This verse is a restatement of what Jesus had already told the disciples about praying in his name in 14:12–14; 15:7–8, 16. To pray in Jesus’ name means to model him by living in obedient love, to the Father, to him, and to one another. Without this love, we are not connected to him as the vine. When our lives are lined up with his way, we can be assured our prayers will be answered because we are praying for his will to be done, not our will. The whatever is qualified by loving obedience. The outcome of the condition is that the Father will grant what faithful disciples ask.
The disciples had asked many things of Jesus and had learned to pray like him, but their prayers were not done in Jesus’ name. Things would change from that time forward. Jesus’ name represented his person, power, and position. The cross and empty tomb were the guarantee and proof of everything Jesus said and did. The coming days would not give Jesus more power because he already was the Messiah and Son of God. These events would confirm these claims and draw in the disciples to be participants and recipients of God’s grace. Their prayers would take on new power because of their experience of this grace.
Verse 24 ends with the promise repeated with an additional purpose clause. Jesus was challenging the disciples to take an additional step of faith and pray in his name. Praying in Jesus’ name is not a magical formula tacked on at the end of a prayer, but an attitude and action consistent with his character and claims. Going to the Father through Jesus, in his name, remembering his sacrifice and victory, will result in receiving an answer. The personal experience of this type of praying will be full joy. Their grief and lamenting (verse 20) would become joy because no only would their prayers be answered but they would be connected to Jesus and one another in deeper love. Jesus’ words put prayer in a new light and show the powerful and personal experience we can have with him through the Holy Spirit when we come to him in faith and obedience.
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