John 16

“Whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you” (v23).  Though the disciples were heading toward persecution (v1), Jesus reassured them that they had everything they needed to stay strong.  The Helper (Holy Spirit) was coming, and he would help them understand truth and fill their hearts with Jesus’ presence (v13-15).  They would pray to the Father “in the name of Jesus,” meaning that what Jesus accomplished in them and for them gave them the right to talk to God as his beloved children (v27).

Because of Jesus, we can approach God without fear.  His Spirit reminds us that we are his children (Romans 8) and that he loves us.