John 16:24 “Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.”
Until “now.” Up to that point in history, no one asked for anything in Jesus’ name. To what does “now” refer. I think Jesus was referring to the time after the cross and the resurrection—after Jesus returned to His Father. Minutes earlier, remember what Jesus had said in 14:12-14. “… because I go to the father. Whatever you ask in my name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. If you love me, you will keep my commandments.“
Having received the commandment to love from Jesus and knowing He went to the Father to give them access to the Father (make a place for you) through Him (who is the way), the disciples then had a reason to ask in Jesus’ name. His name is now the way to love, which is the new and excellent way to live. In speaking of love Paul wrote, “I show you a still more excellent way.” (1 Cor. 12:30)—the way of love.
Fullness of joy comes when we ask for the grace to love in Jesus’ name, and Jesus loves through us. May that be our experience today as we live to love with Him.
Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com
