EXHIBIT 23(a) Consent of Independent Auditors We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the use of our reports dated February 19, 1999 with respect to the financial statements of John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company, and our report dated February 10, 1999, with respect to the financial statements of John Hancock Variable Annuity Account JF, both of which are included in Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Form S-1 Registration Statement (File No. 33-64945) and the related Prospectuses of John Hancock Variable Annuity Account JF. ERNST & YOUNG LLP Boston, Massachusetts April 29, 1999