John 14:13

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

And {G3739}{G2532} whatsoever {G3748}{G302} ye shall ask {G154} in {G1722} my {G3450} name {G3686}, that {G5124} will I do {G4160}, that {G2443} the Father {G3962} may be glorified {G1392} in {G1722} the Son {G5207}.

In fact, whatever you ask for in my name, I will do; so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Commentary

John 14:13 is a profound promise from Jesus to His disciples during His final hours before His crucifixion. It offers incredible insight into the nature of prayer and the relationship between believers, Jesus, and the Father.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' extensive "Farewell Discourse" (John chapters 13-17), delivered to His disciples in the Upper Room. In these moments, Jesus prepares them for His departure, promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, and assures them of His continued presence and power through prayer. He is building their faith for a time when He will no longer be physically with them, emphasizing their ongoing connection to Him through His authority and purpose as they embark on their future ministry.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Power of Prayer "In My Name": The central promise is that "whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do." This is not a blank check for selfish desires, but a profound statement about praying in alignment with Jesus' character, will, and authority. To ask "in His name" means to pray consistent with His purposes, for things that honor Him and advance His kingdom. It implies a deep relationship and understanding of His desires, not merely attaching a phrase to the end of a prayer.
  • Christ's Active Intercession: Jesus Himself promises, "that will I do." This highlights His active role in answering the prayers of His followers, demonstrating His continued power and authority even after His ascension. He is not a passive recipient but an active agent in fulfilling these requests.
  • The Glory of the Father: The ultimate purpose of answered prayer is "that the Father may be glorified in the Son." This reveals the core motivation behind God's actions and Jesus' promises. All true prayer and its answers should ultimately point back to God's glory. When prayers are answered according to Christ's will, it demonstrates the power and goodness of God to the world, thereby glorifying the Father through the Son. This echoes Jesus' own prayer in John 17:1, where He prays for the Father to glorify the Son.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "in my name" (Greek: en tō onomati mou) is crucial. It signifies more than just a verbal utterance. In biblical thought, a "name" represents the full character, authority, and essence of a person. Therefore, asking "in Jesus' name" means asking with His authority, according to His nature, and in alignment with His purposes. It's an expression of spiritual identity and partnership with Christ, rather than a magical formula. This concept is further explored in other passages, such as John 15:16 and John 16:23-24.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to pray boldly and with confidence, knowing that Jesus actively responds to prayers that align with His divine will and purpose. It challenges us to examine our motives for prayer, ensuring that our requests are not self-centered but are aimed at glorifying God and advancing His kingdom. Understanding this principle deepens our prayer life, transforming it from a list of demands into a powerful partnership with Christ for the Father's glory. It reminds us that our prayers, when offered according to His will, are heard and answered by the Lord Himself.

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Cross-References

  • John 15:7 (58 votes)

    If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

  • Mark 11:24 (47 votes)

    Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them].

  • Matthew 7:7 (44 votes)

    Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

  • Matthew 21:22 (44 votes)

    And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

  • 1 John 5:14 (37 votes)

    ¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

  • John 16:23 (32 votes)

    And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you.

  • 1 John 3:22 (29 votes)

    And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.