We are currently in study of our way through the Gospel According to John at a small group study at Church. Last night, we were discussing, among other things, chapters 14-16. We got into a good discussion about the indwelling of the Spirit of God, etc…

“I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father.” (Joh 16:25-28 NLT)

So, here’s my question to all of you scholars of John – where did the figures of speech begin? I mean, Christ has just finished speaking a pretty significant discourse aimed at the Spirit, the power of the Church, heaven and the such. Um… was none of this supposed to be taken literally?