Speaking Plainly

by Dewayne Griffin

Just hours before Christ was to be crucified, he spent quality time with his apostles trying to explain what was about to happen. In chapter 16 of the Gospel of John, Jesus told them they would face many hardships. Because of their love for Him, the world would hate them. They would be forced out of the synagogues by those who desired to kill them, thinking they were pleasing God by doing so. The apostles were having a very difficult time understanding all that Christ was telling them. Many times in this gospel, Jesus had to repeat things for them. At first, they did not fully understand what Jesus meant when He told them he was going away, and then they would see Him again, speaking of His death and resurrection. Additionally, He was trying to tell them about the Holy Spirit who would be sent once Jesus returned to the Father and it became very confusing to them. He tells them there is much more to say, but at that time they could not bear it ( John 16:12). At one point in this chapter, Jesus reminds the apostles that He has often used parables (sometimes referred to as proverbs or dark language) to make His point. But now, since the time of His death is near, He tells them that He will speak plainly. Quickly and concisely He tells them how God loves them because they loved Christ. He rehearses the fact that He came from the Father to earth and was about to return to the Father. After telling them this, they admit that Jesus was now speaking plainly and no longer in proverbs ( John 16:29).

Sometimes we are just like the apostles. The truth of God's Word is right before us and we fail to understand the message. It thrills me to know the Father has provided us with His written Word and that it has been preserved from the time it was written until now. I am glad His Word speaks plainly about what He wants us to do. May God bless us as we attempt to do His will.

• The Bible - Jun 29, 2003
• The Authority of Christ's Apostles - Jul 18, 1999
• "Jesus Called Them One by One..." - Mar 19, 1995