What does "plainly about the Father" reveal about Jesus' communication style? Setting the Scene in John 16:25 “I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. A time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but will speak plainly about the Father.” Jesus’ Two-Fold Approach: Figures and Plain Speech • Figures of speech—parables, metaphors, symbolic language—kept truth veiled until hearts were ready (Mark 4:11–12). • Plain speech—direct, unambiguous statements—opened the veil so disciples could grasp the Father’s character and plan (John 14:9–11). • The shift from figurative to plain signals movement from anticipation toward fulfillment, as the cross and resurrection draw near. What “Plainly about the Father” Reveals about His Communication Style • Clarity is intentional: Jesus desires listeners to understand, not stay in mystery. • Relationship-oriented: plain words foster intimacy, showing the Father as approachable (John 17:6–8). • Progressive: He withholds or discloses truth according to spiritual readiness (John 16:12–13). • Truth-centered: even when figurative, every image pointed to literal realities now stated openly. • Compassionate: speaking plainly guards the flock from confusion and strengthens faith (John 10:4–5). • Authority-grounded: He acts as the perfect Revealer, confident His words carry divine weight (Matthew 7:28–29). • Missional: unveiling the Father equips disciples for witness after His ascension (Acts 1:8). Progressive Revelation in Action • Pre-cross: figures prepared hearts without prematurely alarming or hardening the unready. • Post-resurrection: Spirit-enabled understanding made plain teaching both possible and necessary (John 14:26). • The pattern mirrors Scripture’s overarching trajectory—from shadows in the Law to the unveiled face of Christ (Hebrews 10:1; 2 Corinthians 3:14–18). Plain Speech and Discipleship Today • Expect Scripture to move from symbolism to straightforward declaration, and treasure both. • Receive the Spirit’s help to grasp plain truth and share it simply (1 Corinthians 2:12–13). • Emulate the Lord: speak biblical truth clearly, aiming for understanding that leads others to the Father. |
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