25 "These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will speak no more to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 28 I came forth from the Father, and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again, and going to the Father."
Message: The Love of the Father
Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."
What the Lord is Saying: The Farewell Discourse by Jesus continues and for me this discourse has had the theme of comfort Jesus is giving to His disciples as He is glorified or leaves this earth to be with the Father. I have seen a theme in this book of Jesus preaching the Gospel of Good news, namely that everyone can have eternal life in Him and people giving their lives over to Jesus completely, surrendering themselves to Him. seeing that He has been sent by the Father and the Father and Him are one. Jesus has also, upon His departure, given us the promise of His Holy Spirit.
Currently, the disciples are still having a hard time really understanding this idea that Jesus is leaving. Despite the promise He has giving them that things will actually be better when He is gone, they still are struggling with the idea.
As Jesus has been speaking, people are having a hard time understanding Him. Maybe this is because they have been trained about spiritual things in a certain way, not understanding the Kingdom of God that Jesus continually speaks about - namely the place where Jesus the Messiah lives and manifests Himself to His people. living in community with them, bringing them everlasting life.
In today's verses Jesus speaks about how His ministry will change upon His departure - as the Spirit will give people greater understanding of His work and ministry. The plain speaking that is coming is "of the Father." And He acknowledges that in those days people will understand that "I (Jesus) came forth from the Father."
The times are changing in that God's children will understand more fully that God has Sent His Son Jesus and in that people will pray and make requests in the name of Jesus. This is why we pray "In Jesus' name" often at the end of our prayers because Jesus tells that they will ask in His name.
Summary: After Jesus departs, people will understand completely that Jesus has been sent by the Father and they will ask in Jesus' name and the Father will hear their prayers.
Promise: The Father Loves us and wants to hear from us.
Prayer: Thank you Father for your great love for us and knowing us and communicating clearly who You are. You have told me. I know. It is hard that so many in our world though have hardened ways and do not understand. They are blinded continually by their own flesh, the drawing of the world, the work of Satan. O God, open blind eyes so that many more will understand who You are - the King of this World, for all eternity. I pray that many more will know you. Build community in our world. Build peace among your called ones, so that we will be of one accord. Be praised always.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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