Join me for my Sunday Message, the latest in the series, "Last Words, The Last Supper Discourses in the Gospel of John." Tomorrow I am addressing the "greater works" Jesus promised we would do in a message entitled, "Greater Works, After I Go. . ."

Jesus makes it clear to the Disciples that to know Him, to see Him and to hear Him is to know the Father, see Him and hear Him as well. The critical doctrinal contribution John makes in his faithful recording of Jesus' words gives us a sound basis for our Christology and Soteriology. Jesus was in fact God, incarnate bring the new covenant personally to the earth and humanity. God was personally involved in restoring the broken relationship between humanity and Himself.

But having established this with His Disciples, Jssus reflects to them that if they have faith in Him they will do "greater works in His name." In the biblical period, one’s name represented the person; it was a summary statement of someone’s character, reputation or especially authority as it applied to those in political power. The use of the name of Jesus pointed to his attributes, his person, and all that he had accomplished. It was and is no mere magical formula added to a prayer to ensure results, guaranteeing that God will answer but a confession of dependence, trust, and confidence in the person and work of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.

The “whatever” in 14:13 and the “anything” in 14:14 are both qualified by all that God has revealed in His Word about prayer.

God is not giving us a “blank check” to simply fill in with our desire or what matches the need we perceive. The controlling element here is “in My name.” To know God’s name means to know His nature, what He is, and what He wants to do. God always answers prayer in order to honor His name and bring glory to Himself. Therefore, our prayers must be in agreement with His sovereign, providential will. “Your Kingdom come; Your will be done.” Matthew 6:10.