It was almost time for the Jewish Passover {\cf2\super [207]} festival. Jesus knew that it was time for him to leave this world. It was now time for Jesus to go back to the Father. Jesus had always loved those people in the world who were his. Now was the time Jesus showed them his love the most.
The Father had given Jesus power over everything. Jesus knew this. Jesus also knew that he had come from God. And he knew that he was going back to God.
Jesus said, “My children, I will be with you only a short time more. You will look for me. And what I told the Jewish leaders, I tell you now: Where I am going you cannot come.
I tell you the truth. The person that believes in me will do the same things I have done. Yes! He will do even greater things than I have done. Why? Because I am going to the Father.
You heard me say to you, ‘I am leaving, but I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, then you would be happy that I am going back to the Father. Why? Because the Father is greater than I am.
Now I am coming to you. I will not stay in the world now. But these men are still in the world. Holy Father, keep them safe. Keep them safe by the power of your name (the name you gave me), so that they will be one, the same as you and I are one.
“I am coming to you now. But I pray these things while I am still in the world. I say these things so that these men can have the true happiness that I have. I want them to be completely happy.
Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold me. I have not yet gone back up to the Father. But go to my brothers (followers) and tell them this: ‘I am going back to my Father and your Father. I am going back to my God and your God.’”