John 14:12–14; 15:14–16; 16:23–26

Bible Studies for Life
Director of the Extension Division, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

Pray in Jesus’ Name
John 14:12–14; 15:14–16; 16:23–26
In the adventure tale “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” the title character discovered a secret to great wealth and rewards. Ali Baba learned of this secret when he saw a group of bandits entering a “magic cave” where its “loot” was stored. Accessing this treasure required a secret password — “Open sesame!”  Over the years, perhaps some Christians have been led to believe closing their prayers with “in Jesus’ name” provides the added “power” needed to access God’s rewards. Obviously this isn’t true but some believers might openly admit they aren’t exactly sure what the phrase does mean. This study points us toward a few Scriptures to help us better understand what it means to pray in Jesus’ name.

Seek What Glorifies God (14:12–14)
In this passage, Jesus told the disciples that even though He was leaving, His work would continue through them and His other followers on an even greater scale. Jesus followed this statement with a promise: Whatever they asked in His name, He would do. While this announcement might have been difficult for these men to immediately understand, Jesus wanted them to focus on the purpose of His promise — God would be glorified.

Participate in Jesus’ Work (15:14–16)
Jesus continued this dialogue in a new setting and with a new name for His followers — “friends.” He called them friends because servants are not privy to the Master’s business. Because they were His friends, Jesus wanted them to know that everything He heard from God, He shared with them. Jesus then reminded them they were special because He chose them as His own and for His purposes. And once again, Jesus stated that as they went about doing His will, He would give them whatever they asked in His name.

Enjoy Immediate Access to God (16:23–26)
As Jesus began trying to explain His impending death and victory, He used a curious phrase, “in that day.” And in making this statement, Jesus wanted His disciples to understand that after His resurrection, they would enjoy a new access to God through the Holy Spirit living within them. He assured them this access would allow them to make direct requests of God, which when asked in His name would be granted. The statement “Ask the Father for anything in my name and you shall have it” is made in three successive chapters in John. And for years, believers and seekers have tried to make this their “magic word” to unlock God’s “treasure chest” for them. The idea is that if the request is made “just right,” then God will respond like a heavenly butler or divine genie, willingly accepting our wish to be His command. Unfortunately we are surrounded by many who have approached God in this manner, been disappointed and walked away from Him.

But this promise is a powerful gift that does bring great blessings. That’s why Jesus illustrated it in three consecutive chapters. He said if we are His followers, then He will do great things through us for God’s glory. And Jesus expanded His conversation by further explaining that He chose and appointed us to “go and bear fruit,” the visible evidence we are dedicated and committed to following, obeying and serving Him (Gal. 5:22–23). And in John 16, Jesus taught that as His followers, He has provided us direct access to God — access previously only available to the high priest before His sacrifice. 

Praying in Jesus’ name has nothing to do with “unlocking” a secret door to gold, silver and cash. Neither is it the key to compelling God to do as we desire. But Jesus did promise that whatever we might need in order to be able to obediently walk in all of His ways and do His will, God will give us if we ask for it in His name. And even greater than this, He honors us by allowing our participation in His glorification, inviting our contribution to His work and finally providing us immediate and continuous access to Him. And all of this comes to pass if we will only put our trust in Jesus who makes this possible by dying — because He loved us — so that we might live and enjoy the power that comes when we call upon God in His name.