City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

²⁵ 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. ²⁶ 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; ²⁷ for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. ²⁸ I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father. (ESV)

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses are rich and packed with truth. In these verses we see how Jesus is giving us little glimpses of the future and all that is available to us in Christ. 

In verse 25, Jesus unveils His covert pattern of speaking in parables and “figures of speech.” Jesus often did this when He taught large crowds because there were always varying levels of faith that He was dealing with. Jesus was very careful not to cast His pearls of wisdom and truth before those who held no value for it. In the skillful teaching from Jesus, He was able to pack the truth in such a way that those who were truly hungry to know Him could unwrap the beautiful treasures contained in His “jars of clay,” or the common, practical ways in which He taught.

However in this bit of scripture, Jesus reveals the hour is coming when He can speak to His disciples plainly about the Father. What a beautiful juxtaposition. Can you imagine the disciples’ excitement at such an idea? After years of scratching their heads in wonder at the mind-boggling sayings of their Teacher, Jesus was now telling them that He would speak to them plainly about the Father! Hallelujah! 

Verses 26-27 are icing on the cake! Here, Jesus tells them He will no longer have to mediate between them and God–that they would have direct access to the Father as a direct result of their relationship with and faith in Christ.  

Verse 28 seals the deal. Here, Jesus alludes to how any of the above is possible. It is only by Christ’s life, death, burial, and resurrection that we can enjoy a real and personal relationship with our Heavenly Father. 

Application

Throughout His life on earth, Jesus modeled for the disciples the kind of life that was available to them through their faith in Christ. While it’s not always easy to walk the walk of a Christ-follower, one thing is for sure: it’s worth it!  

Have you taken some time to ponder on the fact that you can come to God at any time totally shame-free and blameless because of what Christ has won for you? Do you battle with thoughts of unworthiness and shame? 

If so, celebrate the fact that God is not judging you on the basis of what you’ve done or who you are. If you place faith in Jesus, God is looking at you through the precious blood of Jesus, which completely cleanses you from all unrighteousness. 

Any time you encounter a thought of condemnation or distress, just remind yourself of the truth that sets you free: for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me [Jesus] and have believed that I [Jesus] came from God. (John 16:27). 

Prayer

Father God, I just want to thank You for making a way for me to experience a meaningful and personal relationship with You. Thank You for sending Your only begotten Son to pay the ultimate price for my freedom from the clutches of sin. You are the Way-Maker, and I am so humbled and honored to be Your very own child. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.