Breaking the Word

His disciples said, "Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God." Jesus answered them, "Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world." (Jn 16:29-33)

Jesus was speaking in parables. He said many things regarding the kingdom in parables. When he spoke in parables the disciples were in need of explanations. Jesus fulfilled that as well. Now the disciples are saying that Jesus spoken plainly. Jesus is speaking about himself and the father. It is about his relationship with the father (real and personal) and hence he does need to use parables.

Jesus not only spoke about his relationship with the father so plainly, he also spoke about what the disciples will do when he is arrested. They will all run away leaving all alone. Jesus was not worried about being alone in the world because he is so sure that the father will be with him. The certainty that the father will be with him urges him to go ahead with his mission.

This assurance of the presence of God gives peace. There will be troubles in the world and Jesus has not come to remove the troubles and problems rather he has come to assure that the presence of God will bring peace and that peace will give courage to face the world.

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go, therefore,  and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." (Mt 28:16-20)

The disciples went back to Galilee. As the disciples started their journey from Galilee to Jerusalem so now they start their journey again (after resurrection) from Galilee. This is to show that one has to start one’s journey from his own place of origin. He has to start from his place of origin and journey towards Jerusalem. Everyone has got his own Galilee and everyone has to begin his journey from there.

They met Jesus on a mountain. Mountain is the place where God dwells. Mountain is the place of revelation (Sinai, Tabor, Zion etc). After resurrection Jesus revealed himself to the disciples on a mountain. The disciples also worshiped him. Jesus was accepted as God and worshiped on a mountain.

Jesus affirms his Godhead (all power in heaven and on earth has been given to me); commissions them (go therefore and make disciples) to baptize them and teach them; and assures them of his continual presence till the end of days. He takes the role of god among his people. After resurrection Jesus takes the role of God and fulfils it among his disciples.