John chapter 16

vs 23

Is Jesus here saying that their requests will go straight to the Father instead of to Jesus, because he won't be around? I think that's what he's saying. That is a pretty mega thing, even for Jews. I mean, most of them probably thought that only the High Priest could really come into the presence of God and ask for stuff. The disciples might have thought they had special privileges because they were around Jesus all the time (and I think we think they had it special too). But Jesus is saying that his time on earth, and the presense of God in a physical form with these disciples, is not the normative pattern which God intended. He merely used it to institute a lasting deal whereby his people can come to him directly. Awesome.

Note that it is still through Jesus' name, that is his reputation and authority, that such requests are made. We are able to make such requests because God has given Jesus the authority.

vs 24

When we say "In Jesus' name", do we really link that with his authority and reputation? I think we tend to baby-ise it a bit, and turn it into a motherhood statement. Especially when we say "Jesus' precious name". Surely that makes it sound like we're hugging the baby Jesus. Bah. When we ask for something in Jesus' name, we aren't huggling him to us, we are bowing before God's throne of authority and name dropping - we are making a request through the authority of our captain. We are requisitioning more support for the war on Satan. Military analogies can only go so far, but I like that one. I think it's a good corrective.

vs 25

And will John, or anyone else, record that plain language? Probably not. But at least Jesus is admitting that he doesn't always say things clearly.

vs 26

Note here that we don't pray to Jesus, and then he itercedes for us and asks the Father for us. It's not a chain of command thing. Jesus is allowing us to ask God, but with his authority. Sweet.

vs 27

This is where the military analogy dies off. God doesn't listen to us because Jesus is our leader and we're his soldiers, and it's a matter of military duty. He listens to us (and opened up the communication lanes for us) because he loves us. This is a labour of love.

vs 28

Jesus doesn't need to hang around on earth forever. His time comes and goes. He comes to earth, and then he goes back to heaven. His work will be complete between those two times.

vs 29-30

What a revelation for the poor disciples! Jesus has finally made it clear to them what's going on. They think they've finally got the message. Are they still surprised when he dies? Oh yeah, I think so. But I think they do realise the authority and power with which Jesus not only speaks, but comes to Earth with. They certainly aren't clueless, but they might not be 100% clued up either. The fact is, though, that they realise that what Jesus is saying now is authoritative - the recognise the authority he is claiming.

vs 31

The translation here is questionable. Both the KJV and NASB use the alternative translation. But I think we get the point. Either Jesus is praising them for finally getting their faith in order, or he is formulating basically the same sentiment in a question form. I don't think he's seriously questioning their beliefs at this point.

vs 32

Even though they do believe, they will still flee, they will still hide, they will still question what just happened in the next 24 hours. Some of them, probably all of them, will doubt. But Jesus wants them to know that even if he's all alone, God is still with him.

vs 33

Jesus started this section by saying that people would kill the disciples and think they were doing the world, and God, a favour. He ends with a similar sentiment. They will suffer. The world does suck for Christians. But Jesus has also just told them that anything they ask the Father for, they will receive because of Jesus' authority. And that is an encouraging thing.