If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you. My Father is honored by this, that you bear much fruit and show that you are my disciples.
Into the Text
In today’s verse, Jesus makes a stunning promise to those who abide in Him. He says that whatever they ask for in prayer will be done for them. In verse 16 He repeats it again, saying that whatever His disciples ask for in His name, the Father will give to them.
The reason Jesus can give such a promise to His disciples is because those who abide in Him will want the same things that Jesus would want. As you abide in Christ, you will be filled with His Spirit, and your desires and prayers will begin to align with God’s will. He wants us to bear much fruit, showing ourselves to belong to Him, thereby bringing honor to Him.
What an encouragement this is to us as we think about bearing fruit. Jesus says that we just need to ask for it. Everything the branch needs is already in the stem. In the same way, everything we need to live a life that’s honoring to God is already in Jesus. So if you feel discouraged by the apparent lack of fruit in your life, could it be that you haven’t taken Jesus at His Word and specifically asked for these fruits? Or that you have asked half-heartedly, not believing that He can really change you?
So let’s ask God to make us grow in this experience of being filled with His fullness. Abiding in Jesus includes asking Him for this. He has promised to give us what we ask for.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, align my heart with yours so that my prayers reflect your will. Thank you for hearing me, answering me, and always providing what I need. Amen.