John 16:25: “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.”

Extended Explanation

Jesus tells His disciples that He has been speaking to them in figurative language but that soon He will speak plainly about the Father. Throughout His ministry, Jesus often taught using parables, metaphors, and symbolic language. This was partly because His disciples were not yet ready to grasp the full truth of His mission. However, He assures them that a time is coming when He will reveal things more clearly.

This “time” Jesus refers to is after His resurrection. Once He has completed His work on the cross and risen from the dead, the disciples will finally understand His mission. They will no longer have to struggle to make sense of His words because He will reveal God’s truth plainly, and the Holy Spirit will guide them into all understanding.

This verse is a reminder that sometimes God’s truth is not immediately clear, but as we grow in faith and as God’s plan unfolds, He reveals more to us.

Historical Context

Jesus speaks these words during the Last Supper, just before His arrest. Up to this point, He has often taught using parables and symbolic language, which the disciples sometimes struggled to understand (e.g., John 16:16-18). His teachings about His upcoming death and resurrection were especially difficult for them to grasp.

Jewish teachings often used figurative language and storytelling to explain deep spiritual truths. Jesus followed this tradition, but He also had a reason for speaking this way—His disciples were not yet ready to handle the full weight of His message.

However, after Jesus’ resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2), the disciples’ understanding dramatically changed. They finally saw the full picture and were able to clearly teach about Jesus and His relationship with the Father.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several important truths about God’s revelation:

1. God’s truth is revealed progressively. Jesus did not reveal everything at once because His disciples needed time to grow in understanding.
2. Jesus is the key to understanding God. Through Him, we come to know the Father more fully.
3. The Holy Spirit brings clarity. After Jesus’ resurrection, the Holy Spirit helps believers understand the truth of God’s Word.

Literary Analysis

This verse contrasts figurative and plain speech, showing a shift in how Jesus will communicate.

• “Though I have been speaking figuratively” – Jesus acknowledges that much of His teaching up to this point has been symbolic.
• “A time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language” – This signals a future change, emphasizing that the disciples will soon have greater understanding.
• “But will tell you plainly about my Father” – Jesus’ ultimate goal is for His followers to know God clearly and personally.

This verse serves as a transition, preparing the disciples for what is about to happen—His death, resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• John 14:26 – “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” The Holy Spirit helps believers understand Jesus’ words.
• Mark 4:34 – “He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.” Jesus often taught in parables but gave deeper explanations to His disciples.
• Acts 2:32-33 – “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it… he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.” After the resurrection, the disciples’ understanding became clear.

Meaning for Today’s Christian

For modern believers, this verse is a reminder that spiritual growth takes time. Sometimes, we don’t fully understand what God is doing in our lives, but as we seek Him, He reveals more to us.

It also encourages us to rely on the Holy Spirit, who gives clarity and wisdom. When we struggle to understand God’s Word, we can trust that He will reveal His truth in His perfect timing.

This verse also reminds us of the importance of Jesus’ resurrection—because of His finished work, we have access to a clearer understanding of God’s plan.

Relation to a Loving God

This verse shows God’s patience and love in teaching His people. He doesn’t expect us to understand everything at once. Instead, He reveals truth as we are ready. Jesus was gentle with His disciples, teaching them in ways they could grasp, and He does the same for us.

God wants us to know Him personally, not just through symbols or stories. Through Jesus, He speaks to us plainly, inviting us into a relationship where we can know Him deeply.

Connection to Jesus Christ

This verse points to Jesus’ mission of revealing God to humanity.

• Jesus is the full revelation of God. “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).
• After His resurrection, His disciples understood Him fully. Before the resurrection, they were confused; afterward, they boldly proclaimed His message.
• The Holy Spirit continues His teaching today. Jesus’ promise to reveal God plainly continues through the Holy Spirit’s work in believers.

Jesus is not just a teacher of wisdom—He is the way to know God completely.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Can you think of a time when you didn’t understand what God was doing, but later, it became clear?
2. Why do you think Jesus often used figurative language instead of speaking plainly?
3. How does the Holy Spirit help us understand God’s Word today?
4. In what ways has your understanding of God deepened over time?
5. How can we trust God even when we don’t fully understand His plan?

This verse is a powerful reminder that God’s truth is revealed in His perfect time. Through Jesus, we are invited to know the Father clearly, and through the Holy Spirit, we gain deeper understanding as we grow in faith.