And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just sharing future events to prove He's God; He's deliberately planting seeds of faith through foreknowledge. He tells them beforehand so that His predictions becoming reality will serve as powerful evidence, confirming His divine identity and mission, and strengthening their belief even after He's gone.
And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is speaking to his disciples in the upper room, just hours before his arrest and crucifixion. He's been explaining that he must leave them to go to the Father, but that he will send the Holy Spirit. He's preparing them for the shock of his impending death, which they might otherwise interpret as a defeat or abandonment.
Jesus is dropping hints about His departure, but it's not just to give His disciples a heads-up. It's about building their faith.
Jesus tells His disciples, 'I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.' Think of these words like seeds planted in their hearts.
Why didn't Jesus just tell them everything plainly? He knew their current understanding had limits.
Jesus acknowledges that the mysteries He's revealing—His impending departure and its significance—are beyond the disciples' current grasp.
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Jesus’ ability to predict the future wasn't just a parlor trick; it was a divine signature.
Jesus’ foretelling of His own future events serves as a powerful testament to His divine nature.
Understand the original words
pisteuō · Greek Verb
A firm, trusting conviction in the truth of God’s word and the person of Jesus Christ, leading to complete reliance on Him.
This verse highlights Jesus' intentional foreknowledge of his own death and resurrection. He shared these painful details in advance so that when they happened, his disciples' faith would be strengthened, not shattered, confirming his divine identity and mission.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Last Supper with Disciples
Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples, speaking comforting words and foretelling his betrayal and departure.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion
Jesus is arrested, tried, and crucified, fulfilling his predictions and causing sorrow among his followers.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Resurrection
Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus rises from the dead, proving his divine power and the truth of his words.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ascension
After appearing to his disciples over 40 days, Jesus ascends into heaven, returning to the Father as he had foretold.
This passage challenges false gods to predict the future, highlighting the unique ability of the true God to declare 'what is to come' (v. 23), reinforcing Jesus' claim that His foreknowledge and pronouncements are evidence of His divine nature.
John 13:19Jesus told the disciples 'I am telling you this before it happens, so that when it does happen you may believe,' which is a direct parallel to John 14:29, showing His consistent approach of using fulfilled prophecy to strengthen their faith.
Acts 2:22-24This sermon demonstrates how Peter uses Jesus' foretold death and resurrection, which had now come to pass, as powerful proof to persuade his audience to believe in Jesus.
Romans 1:1-4Paul proclaims Jesus as the Son of God, powerfully demonstrated by His resurrection from the dead, which serves as the ultimate sign that confirms His identity and mission, aligning with the purpose of Jesus' predictions.
barnesJohn 14:29: "And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe."
Before it come to pass - Before my death, resurrection, and ascension. Ye might believe - You might be confirmed or strengthened in faith by the evidence which I gave that I came from God - the power of foretelling future events.
calvinJohn 14:29-31: "And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe."
And I have told you now, before it take place, that, when it shall take place, you may believe. 30. Henceforth I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. 31. But that the world may know that I love the Father, and that I do as the Father hath commanded me. Arise, let us go hence.
And I have told you now. It was proper that th…
Jesus isn't just sharing future events to prove He's God; He's deliberately planting seeds of faith through foreknowledge. He tells them beforehand so that His predictions becoming reality will serve as powerful evidence, confirming His divine identity and mission, and strengthening their belief even after He's gone.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples in the upper room, just hours before his arrest and crucifixion. He's been explaining that he must leave them to go to the Father, but that he will send the Holy Spirit. He's preparing them for the shock of his impending death, which they might otherwise interpret as a defeat or abandonment.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples in the upper room, just hours before his arrest and crucifixion. He's been explaining that he must leave them to go to the Father, but that he will send the Holy Spirit. He's preparing them for the shock of his impending death, which they might otherwise interpret as a defeat or abandonment.
"And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe." — Jesus isn't just sharing future events to prove He's God; He's deliberately planting seeds of faith through foreknowledge. He tells them beforehand so that His predictions becoming reality will serve…
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Last reviewed October 2026