John 16:26

At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

John 16:26 (KJV)

Context

John 16:26 is part of Jesus’ farewell discourse to His disciples, spoken shortly before His crucifixion. In this discourse, Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The immediate context is crucial: in John 16:23, Jesus says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.” In John 16:24, He adds, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” Verse 25 notes that Jesus has spoken in proverbs, but a time is coming when He will show them plainly of the Father.

Meaning

In John 16:26, Jesus tells His disciples that “at that day” they will ask in His name. This phrase refers to the future time after His departure, when the Holy Spirit has been poured out. The disciples will then ask the Father directly in Jesus’ name. Jesus adds, “and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you,” emphasizing that the disciples themselves will have direct access to the Father through His name. This indicates a new and more intimate relationship with the Father, made possible by Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross.

This statement does not negate Jesus’ ongoing intercession for believers, but rather highlights the new privilege believers have to approach the Father directly in Jesus’ name. The disciples will not need Jesus to intercede in the same way, as they will be able to ask the Father personally. This is a promise of direct access to God for believers.

Application

By stating that the disciples will be able to ask in His name, Jesus highlights the privilege and power of prayer. Prayer is a vital aspect of the believer’s relationship with God, and it is through prayer that we communicate with Him, express our needs, seek His guidance, and grow in intimacy with Him. The disciples, as well as all believers, are encouraged to approach the Father in Jesus’ name and trust in His provision.

Believers today can draw encouragement from this verse, knowing that they have direct access to the Father through Jesus and can approach Him confidently in prayer.

Reflection

John 16:26 underscores the close relationship between Jesus, the Father, and the disciples. It reveals the significance of prayer and highlights the privilege and power of asking in Jesus’ name.