“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”
His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Comment: The record of John chs 14-16 is about 2,500 words, which takes about 20 minutes to read aloud. In conversation let’s say an half hour. This occurred after Judas left the room and Jesus offered, what is called ‘His High Priestly Prayer’ about 750 words or roughly 10 minutes. So from the end time, after Judas left the room, until Jesus had prayed would be about an hour. What an intense time of teaching but I suspect that all of this was building on and extending what Jesus had taught the disciples – some as they walked the roads, some as He taught in the synagogues and the temple.
Jesus tells them that he has used unclear language but will later have it made clear to them. They say that they think that they understand it all now. (Not true as we see after the crucifixion). Jesus reminds them of coming troubles but His final words are ‘I’ve won the victory, I’ve overcome the world.’
Prayer: This is so profound but so central to the gospel, please make it clear to me.
As I read it! 