Jesus had announced to his disciples that he was going away
He would soon leave them and the world of humans
– and return to his Father – the dimension of God’s reality (cf. Jn. 8:21-23)
• the disciples have completed their journey with him
• but he is not abandoning them – they won’t be orphans
◦ their discipleship will continue
◦ from now on, it would be directed by the Spirit
– so Jesus is preparing them for his departure
• however, he could only tell them what they were able to comprehend
◦ that means, he could not provide many specific details
• as a result, they were confused and had lots of questions
◦ their conversation that impossible night goes on for three more chapters
◦ and includes the longest recorded prayer of Jesus