John 16:26-27
“In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father.”
What day was Jesus referring to? If we look back a few verses we learn that it is the day they see Jesus risen from the dead. John 16:22 “Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.” In vs. 23, we see Jesus reference “that day” and in vs. 26 He said it again. This gives us insight into the power and significance of Jesus’ resurrection, namely, that in Jesus’ name, we have personal, individual access to our Father in heaven. Jesus implied that the resurrection gives Jesus’ disciples confidence to ask the Father directly to supply whatever they need to obey Jesus’ commands to believe and love. If we love Jesus and believe He was sent by the Father to express His love for us, we know He loves us. The faith and love that we have testifies to God’s love for us.
Why was it important for Jesus to clarify that He will not request on their behalf. I think it is “plain speaking” from Jesus. He wanted them to know without question that God would answer their request because of His love for them, and not just because of His love for His son. Since we can do nothing apart from Jesus, let us have confidence to ask our Father for everything we need to live to love with Jesus—to love those He puts in our paths, today, for His glory.
Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com
