A study of John 16:23-27 reveals disciples access the father through prayer in Jesus’ name, are filled with joy, and the father loves them because they love Jesus and believe he came from God.

A Study of John 16:23-27 reveals disciples access the father through prayer in Jesus’ name.

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. (ESV, John 16:23)

Up to this point Jesus has been with the disciples in person. And for any need, guidance, or spiritual question on their minds they addressed him directly. “In that day” likely means after his resurrection, ascension to the father, and arrival of the Holy Spirit. And Jesus won’t be around to take their questions.

Furthermore, there are different Greek words used in “ask nothing of me” and “ask of the Father in my name.” The first is erōtaō, which usually involves a question seeking information, but can mean asking for something. And the second is aiteō, which means a request or petition for something. Without Jesus to lean on for support, the disciples would naturally present many petitions to the father in Jesus’ name. Therefore, prayer would play an important role going forward and become a regular spiritual practice in their lives. And the same is true for us as disciples today.

To pray “in Jesus’ name” is not a special prayer formula. A phrase we tack on to a prayer like a spiritual notary stamp that obligates God to grant every request like a divine genie. We are to pray in submission to God’s will on the basis of Christ’s person, authority, and righteousness. According to the truth of his word. In addition, we must understand there are three possible answers: “Yes,” “no,” and “wait.”

A Study of John 16:23-27 reveals praying to the father in Jesus’ name will fill them with joy.

Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (ESV, John 16:24-25)

Presently, the disciples didn’t have to ask for anything in Jesus’ name because he was alive and with them. But that would change when he was gone. And they would confront fear, confusion, and uncertainty. What then? Prayer would be their spiritual lifeline and primary means of communication. And the Helper–the Holy Spirit–would be alongside them as counselor in Jesus’ place.

The same is true for disciples today. We must follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and pray to the father in Jesus’ name. Jesus told the disciples that as a result, their “joy would be full.” And is true today as well. The Greek word for “joy” is chara, which means joy, gladness, delight, or deep rejoicing. True joy is Christ-centered and not happiness based on circumstances. It is a deeper, more settled sense of peace and God-given gladness in fellowship with the Father through the Son. And it includes the security of eternal life.

A Study of John 16:23-27 reveals the father also loves them because they love Jesus and believe he came from God.

In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. (ESV, John 16:26-27)

It seems implied although Jesus does not say it here specifically. When he is with the father he will speak on behalf of his disciples. However, his role as an advocate is clearly taught in Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25 along with other passages. But suddenly he says, “I do not say that I will ask the Father on your behalf.” Is this a contradiction? What does Jesus mean by it? The words, “For the Father himself loves you,” helps clarify. Jesus is reassuring his disciples the father is not distant or relunctant to hear their prayers. So they don’t have to rely on Jesus repeating their prayers to the Father on their behalf.

In other words, Jesus advocates for us as disciples to the father. But it doesn’t include conveying our prayers to the him. Why? Because he doesn’t have to. The Father loves us because we love Jesus. And as a loving father he wants to hear our prayers. So our prayers in Jesus’ name go directly to Him.

About Chip Tudor:

Chip Tudor is a Christian author and blogger who publishes Christian non-fiction and fiction books, humorous drama, and scripturally centered, thought-provoking blog posts from a Christian worldview. To learn more visit: www.chiptudor.com.

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