Understanding God’s Word and Applying It
October 11, 2020
Commentary
“In that day” refers to the time after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. “In that day” the disciples would not be able to talk with Jesus directly. They would not be able to ask him for things since He would be with the Father in heaven (vv. 23, 28). Instead, they would be able to ask the Father directly, and he would grant their request if they asked it in Jesus’ name (v. 24). Jesus promises that when we ask in his name we will receive, and we will also have joy as a result. It’s a beautiful thing to see believers asking for things from the Father in the name of the Son in alignment with God’s will. Joy is the added cherry on top, the natural result of this perfect reliance upon God.
Jesus was a master teacher, having taught His disciples for three years. He taught them not only using words, but also by setting an example for them through his deeds. After all of that, however their perception of Him and His relationship to the Father was limited. He explained to them that they are about to enter a new situation because of His resurrection, ascension and the soon coming of the Holy Spirit (vv. 25-28).
Up to this point, Jesus had chosen to speak cryptically with them, but “the hour” was soon coming when He would speak plainly to them about the Father. “The hour” probably refers to the time following his resurrection before his assentation (v. 25). The disciples would have direct personal access to the Father through Jesus’ name (vv. 26-27). The purpose of Bible study is not simply to understand great truths, but to get to know the Father better. The Father loves it when we love Jesus, putting our faith in Him. He invites into a relationship of loving reliance on Him. We can still ask Jesus for things, but amazingly, we have direct access to the Father as well.
Application
Father, thank you for welcoming us into this relationship of reliance upon You! May we never be so foolish as to try to do anything in our own strength.
John 16:23– 28 (NET)
23 At that time you will ask me nothing. I tell you the solemn truth, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive it, so that your joy may be complete.
25 “I have told you these things in obscure figures of speech; a time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in obscure figures, but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 At that time you will ask in my name, and I do not say that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and entered into the world, but in turn, I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”