While there has been much discussion regarding John 14:12-14, I didn't enter the debate because of many exchanges and I just didn't read them all. So, if the issue I am addressing has already been addressed, I apologize.
Based upon what I did observe there seems to be a debate on whether "anything" has a qualifier or implies carte blanche, or permission to do or ask something in any way you choose to do or ask.
Here is the text:
| Quote: | | "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." |
This theme is also addressed in two other passages:
| Quote: | "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples...You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you." - John 15:7-8, 16
"In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full." - John 16:23-24 |
The primary focus of the debate, "anything", is not the only theme revealed in these passages. The answered prayers, or the fruit of our prayers, are/should be designed to bring glory to the Father. In this we emulate Jesus, who Himself did nothing of His own accord, asked nothing for Himself, but did and prayed only for the sole purpose of bring glory to His Father.
Jesus taught His disciples they should let their lights shine, thus allowing their good deeds bring glory to the Father (Matthew 5:16).
In Matthew 9:1f we find the healing of the paralytic and the response of those beholding the miracle is captured in vv 8, "But when the crowds say this, they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men."
In Matthew 15:29f, when the crowds saw the informed healed/restored, their response to such miracles was: "they glorified the God of Israel." (vv.31)
When Peter's response to the cripple at the Temple (Acts 3:1f), his response to the crowds who marveled at the miracle was to deflect the attention away from himself and proclaim the Gospel.
Perhaps this is where James' perspective comes to mind: "You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures" (James 4:3).
What we have is the grand opportunity to ask anything of Jesus that will continue His purpose of glorifying the Father. This the fruit we bear, and it will be our source of joy - seeing the Father glorified.
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9/20/16 8:41 am
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"ask Me anything" revisited
