In John 16: 25-33, Jesus, who has spoken in parables and stories, tells His disciples he won’t be doing so from now on. In these final moments of His life on earth, He wants to speak plainly. He would no longer be using figurative language, but rather speaking plainly to them about the Father and then He spoke forth truth.
Figurative Language
Jesus often used veiled speech. In Matthew 13, after He told the Parable of the Sower, He explained to His disciples that the mysteries of heaven were not for everyone to understand. The scriptures foretold some would hear and yet not understand. This phenomenon would actually be the fulfillment of prophecy.
Speaking Plainly
Here, however, Jesus tells them that from now on, He will speak plainly to them about the Father. When that happens, they will pray using His name, He won’t need to be the go between anymore. God the Father, because of their love for and belief in Jesus as His son, loves them directly. Then He adds, “I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.” Afterwards, John records the response of the disciples, “See now You are speaking plainly. We are sure You know all things. Now we believe.”
Truth
Jesus, then spoke to their self-confidence and pride, showcasing their weakness and inability. “You will all abandon Me. Just like the sheep when the wolves come, you will all run and hide.” Next, He tells them that despite their abandoning Him, the Father will never leave Him alone. Even in His human cry, “My God, my God why have you forsaken Me?” the Father was there.
Jesus wanted His disciples to know the world was a tough place. There would be various trials and troubles from which they will want to flee, but in each and every one of those times, they could have peace and good cheer because He had overcome the world. He would be their hiding place, their fortress, their dwelling, their high tower, the place to run in every one of those times.
He would no longer be using figurative language, but rather speaking plainly to them about the Father and then He spoke forth truth. “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
