So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. On that day you will ask nothing of me. Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
John 16:22-24 (NRSV))
John 16:22-24 (NRSV))
I have been challenged by these verses for a long time. "Ask anything .... he will give it to you?" That can not be correct. What about unanswered prayers, and all that?
Reading and studying the verses again, I discovered a commentary I feel best describes what Jesus is promising:
"16:23 you will no longer ask me anything. Seems to mean asking for information (rather than asking in prayer), which would not be necessary after the resurrection. Jesus then moved on to the subject of prayer." John 16:23 (NIV Study Bible Notes)
This makes more sense to me.
