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When Prayer is Outrageous

The apostle John penned his gospel and three letters around 60 years after Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension. John's purpose is that by believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:31)

Will you put your faith in Jesus' name, even 'impossible' words? And, leave any 'outrage' behind?

Would you permit the following promises (given only hours prior to His Passion) from John's inspired writings to marinate your soul?

Jesus repeats to this day and beyond:

  • Believe Me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it. (14:11-14)
  • If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you ... then the Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. (15:7 & 16c)
  • ... Very truly I tell you, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. (16:23)

The apostle John reiterates this 'outrageousness' in 1 John 3:21-22:

  • In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. Very truly I tell you, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name.

Note the repetition 'whatever you ask in My name', is Jesus exaggerating? Is He given to embellishment? No, He seeks to see us also to pursue His Father's glory.

Note too the repetition of 'truth' John provides between chapters 14 to 19, eleven times. This section occurs after the Last Supper, literally hours from Jesus' crucifixion. In these perplexing hours He seeks to comfort His disciples (not Himself), to buttress them for what He had explained. 

The persistent emphasis on 'truth' indicates Jesus was not teaching false claims. How could He, He who is the way, the Truth, and the Life ever be wrong?

Jesus DOES NOT CHANGE, He still offers 'supernatural favor' to those who 'ask in His name' pursuing His Father's glory.

Posted in Prayer;