John 16:25-28 — No More Riddles

John 16:25-28 — No More Riddles — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel. Today, we will reflect on John 16:25-28. Listen. 

[Jesus said:] “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."

In these verses, Jesus acknowledges that much of his teaching has been in figures of speech, parables, and metaphors. He has spoken about vines and branches, shepherds and sheep, and bread and water. He spoke like this to communicate deep spiritual truths.

But now, as his time on earth draws to an end, Jesus promises a new clarity. He says that a time is coming when he will speak plainly about the Father without resorting to figurative language. This time will come after his resurrection, when the disciples will have a fuller understanding of who Jesus is and what he has come to do.

This promise of plain speaking reminds us that while God often accommodates his revelation to our limited understanding, his ultimate desire is for us to know him clearly and directly. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:12, "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 

Jesus then returns to the theme of prayer, which he has been discussing in the previous verses. He reminds the disciples that they will soon be able to pray directly to the Father in Jesus' name. But he adds a stunning detail: "I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you..."

This is an incredible statement. Jesus is saying that we don't need him to persuade the Father to love us or hear our prayers. The Father loves us directly and unconditionally because of our love for and faith in Jesus. 

This love of the Father is rooted in Jesus' own relationship with him. Jesus came from the Father and entered the world, and now he is returning to the Father. His mission of redemption, his sacrificial love, is the ultimate expression of the Father's love for us. 

As we reflect on these verses, we are reminded of the incredible privilege we have in prayer. We can approach the God of the universe directly, not because of our own merits, but because of his great love for us in Christ. We are also reminded of the journey of faith, from partial understanding to fuller revelation, from seeing in a mirror dimly to seeing face to face.

So let us ask ourselves: Do I approach God with the confidence that comes from knowing his love for me? Am I growing in my understanding of who God is and what he has done? Am I eager for that day when all figures of speech will give way to the plain and glorious truth of God's presence?

May we rest in the Father's love, walk in the light of Christ's revelation, and long for the day of his appearance.

God bless you.