John 16:25

These things have I spoken unto you in dark sayings: the hour cometh, when I shall no more speak to you in dark sayings, but shall tell you plainly, of the Father.

In dark sayings ... These would appear plain enough after Pentecost; but, meanwhile, the heart of all of Jesus' teachings might have been called "dark sayings." The reason for this was complex: (1) It was a fulfillment of prophecy. (2) It was necessary to use a medium that could not be distorted by the Pharisees. (3) Finally, the dark sayings proved in the long run to be more memorable and effective than any other method could have been.

Here are some of the subjects of Jesus' dark sayings:

After the temple was destroyed, he would raise it in three days.

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot see the kingdom of God.

He would give living water ... if a man drink he shall never thirst.

Rivers of living water would spring up within the believer.

Except one eat the flesh and drink the blood, etc.

He that believeth shall never die.

Before Abraham was Jesus is.

Ye are clean, but not all.

A little while, and ye shall see me no more; again a little while, and ye shall see me. Etc., etc.

These "dark sayings" should not be alleged as an excuse for unbelief, because there was far more than enough to make the true meaning clear for all who would apply themselves to find it.

Speak no more in dark sayings ... This would be fulfilled before the night was over. For practically all of his ministry, Jesus had presented himself as God come in the flesh, but he had categorically avoided (except in specific instances) saying plainly that he was the Christ, preferring to speak of the "True Vine," "the Good Shepherd," "The Son of man," etc.; but, before the night was over, Jesus would declare flatly that he was the Christ, the Son of the Blessed, and that his enemies would behold him sitting on the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven (Mark 14:62).