John 16:25-28 These things have I spoken to you in proverbs: but the time comes, when I shall no more speak to you in proverbs… "That day" is — 1. A long day. It began at Pentecost, and will last till the "restitution of all things." 2. It is the best day that has dawned on humanity since the Fall — better than the prophetic day, or the day of Christ's earthly ministry. 3. It is a day that will grow brighter and brighter until it floods all souls with the sunshine of infinite love. 4. It is "the notable day of the Lord," a day in which moral wonders multiply every hour. 5. It runs into the endless day of retribution. The text suggests two thoughts concerning it. It is a day — I. IN WHICH CHRISTLY TEACHING BECOMES MORE AND MORE INDEPENDENT OF WORDS. "Proverbs," words, language, are not truth; at best they are mere vehicles. They are no more truth than water pipes are water. The pipes may be broken, but the water still flows, and will find other channels. Christ used words to convey truth. Sometimes they conveyed truth to His disciples' spirits, sometimes not. When He says, therefore, "I will no more speak unto you in proverbs," He points to a more direct, thorough, and effective way, the way in which the Paraclete would bring all things to their remembrance. The men who are under the influence of this Paraelete are seldom able to trace their most sacred impressions, aspirations, resolves, experiences to any words. No words, e.g., can "plainly show" the Father. He can only be seen by the loving and pure heart. II. WHEN FELLOWSHIP WITH THE FATHER BECOMES MORE AND MORE INDEPENDENT OF THE MEDIATION, Christ seems to say, in illustration of this — 1. That His disciples in this day will pray in His name, and therefore will not require Him to pray for them (ver. 26). He had just said, "Hitherto ye have asked nothing in My name." Why? At that time they had not received the Paraelete; but when He came, they would pray in His name, i.e., the Holy Spirit would so inspire them with the sentiments and purposes of Christ, that they would always pray in the spirit of Christ, and therefore their prayer would be real and effective. 2. That His disciples will have a special sense of the Father's love (ver. 27). Observe — (1) That God loves men individually. He loves all, but does not overlook the individual in the millions. His love embraces each, as if each were the whole. (2) That God loves the individuals especially who love His Son. He loves all, but He has a special love for those who love His Son. No man can love the Father who does not love His image and Revealer. And no man who does not love the Father can be conscious of the Father's love for him. The mutual love provides direct communication. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. |
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