You would expect this from Mark, but not from John.
There is a feeling of “exasperation” in the air!
Things are “getting tight.”
The clock is ticking.
Louder and louder…
The cross is looming…
Ever more — closer…
The end is in sight.
These are — some final words…
Some “final teachings…”
And the disciples “are not getting it…”
They are not comprehending… They fail to understand.
They cannot wrap their minds around what he is saying AGAIN…
(If this sounds like a recurring problem, it is)
The tension “is real.”
Jesus STILL “has his work cut out for himself” WITH THESE GUYS!
The lateness of the hour is not helpful.
Jesus is always so positive.
So understanding…
So much of a facilitator…
Jesus is amazing…
First Thomas misunderstood…that’s “one…”
He is quickly followed by Philip (that’s “two”)
And then, Judas (not Iscariot) fails to understand…that would be “three times…”
Three times in the matter of one teaching…
Oi Vey!
Three different disciples are seeking further clarification, because they just do not get it…
They do not understand…
It is continuous…
Remedial Discipleship 101
I think the scriptures should include (asides) … like Jesus “sighs” loudly…
Jesus “breathes” deeply…Jesus gets “that look” on his face…Jesus starts “pacing back and forth”…Jesus wants to smack Philip – but resists of course! Jesus gets all red in the face…
Or better yet, Jesus calls for recess!
This is the endgame…and “it is not good” at this point…that the disciples remain so “clueless…”
Again, time is of the essence…
Well Philip was right about “one thing”
There’s has to be an “easier way”…because “this way” is not working! Obviously!!!!
For three years (according to John’s calculations) Jesus has been with them…three very LONG YEARS…
Through fourteen chapters…of John’s gospel…and still…they “do not get it”…still “they” do not know WHO Jesus “is…”
At this point, what is it going to take?
“RISING FROM THE DEAD?”
How many more “ways”…how many more “times” can Jesus say it? You’ve seen me, you’ve seen God. I and the Father are one! He actually said that…
He did not stammer.
He put it “right out there.”
He thought he had made it perfectly clear enough. I guess not!
So, he tells them he will be leaving them…but don’t worry things will be great.
Believe in God.
Believe in me.
Stay the course.
Do as I have taught you.
Don’t worry, God will send an “advocate”…also known as being, “The Holy Spirit!”
The fancy Greek word here is the Paraclete or paracletos!
God’s gotchu!
I gotchu!
You will be ok.
Your advocate is coming…wait for it!
Someone…called to your side…
Someone coming to your aid…
A pleader…
A counsel…
A legal assistant
An intercessor
A helper…
We’ve gotchu
You will know him when you need him the most. You will feel/sense/know of his presence. He will be with you forever.
And, if you love me, I will come to you, as well. I will never abandon you. I will be with you, as well.
We will be “along side of you.” With you…
So, my going away, it is a good thing!
My going to the Father, will be a blessing for you in the long run…
Be patient.
Wait for it.
Trust in my words.
Believe in me.
Together, we’ve got this!
Jesus is more than ready. The Spirit is ready. God the Father is ready.
It sounds like a “Go” to me!
But will the disciples ever be ready?
Amen!