John 14:13 Meaning of Whatever You Ask in My Name

John 14:13
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

Explanation and Commentary of John 14:13

This verse should be taken literally under some biblical conditions. Jesus has been revealing further his identity to his disciples as the Son of God. Part of his proof to them was the “works themselves” (Jn 14:11). He then makes the astonishing claim that not only is he doing the works of the Father, but that the disciples would also do what they’ve seen him do, and even greater things. This came true when Jesus sent out the twelve (Mt 10), the seventy-two (Lk 10), and when the Holy Spirit empowered the early Church to begin reaching the whole world (Acts 2). The Book of Acts testifies as to some of the evidence of this.

Jesus says that they must ask in his name. This means that they are acting on his behalf, fulfilling his own ministry when they ask. The Father will grant the prayer request that is truly asked in the name of Jesus because those prayers are the ones that are asked in faith (Mk 11:24). They are asked in faith because they have been inspired by the Holy Spirit indwelling them. He knows the heart and will of God. It is true that we can utter prayers that are not God’s will, therefore not asked in faith, and so not asked in the name of Jesus. In fact, in our flesh, it is very easy to be mistaken about the will of God. Jesus Christ himself showed us an example of what it can look like to pray to the Father for something that is not according to his will, and so will not be granted (Lk 22:42). The prayer in the garden of Gethsemane was answered, but the answer was, “No.” God’s will was contrary to the desire of Christ, though Jesus desired it without sin.

In order to see more of God working through our prayers, we must continue to learn to abide with him, delighting in him so that the desires in our hearts are put there by him. Then, we have simply to pray more. More prayers get answered when more prayers are prayed. If we do not have, it is often because we do not ask (Ja 4:2).

Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 14:13

#1 “And…”
Jesus has said that he is going to the father, and as a result, they will be able to do greater works than what they have seen him do.

#2 “I will do whatever you ask in my name,”
This structure has the astonishing effect that Jesus is the one asking, and the one granting our prayers.

#3 “so that the Father will be glorified in the Son.”
One important impact of our prayers is that by praying in Jesus’ name, Jesus will be glorified by the answer, and when Jesus is glorified, God who is the head of Christ (1 Cor 11:3) will be even more glorified in him.

Bible Study on John 14:13

Expert Overview of John Ch. 13-21

Biblical Translations of John 14:13

NIV
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

NLT
“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.”

ESV
“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

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

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