Can we really ask for anything?

You can quote Jesus on this.   Yes ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.  John 14:14

What great news.  Because I saw this really nice red muscle car the other day.  I don't have the money for it.  I can just ask Jesus for the new car.

Right?

If you have been studying the Bible for long, you have learned some rules of interpreting literature.  Read the context.  If you quote the president out of context you could make him look better or worse than he actually is.  You could do the same with the Bible.

Jesus did not say this in the temple.  There were many religious leaders in the temple.  Most of them were out of touch with God.  They were better at teaching rules, traditions and keeping their success in religion.  

Jesus did not teach this to the crowds.  He did tell the crowds to bring requests to God.  He told them how God cared like a father cares for his children.  

But, the Bible teaches that selfish prayers are not answered.  And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong--you want only what will give you pleasure.  James 4:3

Jesus told his disciples to ask for anything.  In John 14, this is the night before Jesus dies on the cross.  The disciples would take on the work that they had been doing, but without Jesus leading them.  Most of them would die for declaring the truth about God.  In prayer they would still have everything they need to do the work that God wanted them to do.  

You can ask Jesus for anything if you are living in the way of the disciples.  If you have decided to walk in the ways of Christ.  If you live life to help people the way that Jesus did.  

When I go out to help people the way Jesus did, I need his help.  I need an understanding to know how God sees people around me.  And yes resources as I sacrifice what I have to live on this mission.  

Working to live this out today.