Jump Start # 3865
John 14:14 “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
Our verse today presents a couple of important ideas for us. First, this passage does not stand alone from everything else Jesus said. Ask anything and Jesus will do it, seems like a Christmas list come true. Some could look at this and declare that the want Jesus to put a brand new red Ferrari in their driveway. And, when that doesn’t happen, they immediately toss all faith under the bus and declare that religion is a joke. Had the person spent some time in the Scriptures they would quickly see that the “anything” is qualified by the will of God. Anything is not anything. One could say that it would be nice to bring Abe Lincoln back to earth. That’s not going to happen. It’s not that God can’t, it’s not according to His will.
In the next chapter Jesus reminds us to keep the Father’s commandments just as He also kept the Father’s commandments. Anything does not mean every selfish and vain thought that comes to one’s mind.
But, there is a much greater thought built into our verse today. If Jesus was willing to do anything that we asked, would we be willing to do anything that He asked? In other words, we want Jesus to do things for us, but are we willing to do things for the Lord? Are we will to go the extra mile? Are we willing to do the hard thing? Does the Lord have to beg, plead and threaten us before He can move us off the pew of laziness? I’ll do for you, but will you do for Me? That not only seems fair and reasonable, it keeps the relationship from being one sided and only our side.
One would be hard pressed to think of something Jesus wants us to do that He Himself has not already done. Be good? Jesus was perfect and sinless. Worship? Jesus prayed all night. Forgive? There’s the cross. Be a servant? How about washing the disciples feet? Jesus didn’t bark out commands and then sit under a shade tree sipping ice tea. Jesus set the standard and the pace first.
Consider some thoughts:
First, the very idea of Jesus offering to do anything that we ask speaks of the great humility of Christ. Why should Christ serve us? It needs to be the other way around. And, because of that nature of Jesus, He becomes appealing to us and it compels us to want to do the same in return. What a wonderful idea for parents and leaders to imitate. Having others see us serve and go out of our way sets the tone and the standard for what is expected in the home and in the church. The “why should I” complaints tend to disappear when children see parents and members see leaders going out of their way to serve.
Second, Jesus said what He did because He cared. That is at the core of these principles. Jesus cares. Ask anything, means I care what is important to you. I care how you feel. I care about you. When we stop caring, we stop listening. Our focus and attention turns inward to self and people are left crying, “What about me?”
Mom’s advice for her Kingly son was, “Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy” (Prov 31:9). We know this chapter as the worthy woman or the virtuous woman and much too often that’s all we see. But, before that section begins, King Lemuel’s mother was advising him about how to treat people. Don’t forget the little guy. Don’t use your position to hurt others. Care about others. Jesus cared.
Third, imagine saying the words of the Lord to one another. Ask me anything and I’ll do it. As the “anything” was qualified when Jesus said it, so it would be to one another. Give me all your money is not reasonable, thoughtful, or the heart of what these passages are about. But, can you give me a ride to the doctor’s office? Sure. Can you help me move some boxes? Absolutely. Can you sit with me in the waiting room why a family member has surgery? Yes. Can you bring some of your wonderful cookies? Sure. Can you show me how you come to know the Lord so well? Love to.
I’ll be there for you. You can count on me. I’ll do all that I can.
Jesus’ wonderful words must have amazed the apostles. The Lord was acting like a true friend. The Lord was there for them.
I will do it—sure is something to think about.
Roger