What does John 16:28 mean?
This sentence is a vague summary of Jesus' entire earthly ministry. These are all ideas Christ has already explained, including His coming from God (John 6:38), incarnation into the world (John 8:42, 58), His prophesied death (Mark 8:31), and His eventual resurrection (John 2:19) and ascension (John 16:16).In a sense, these are all points the disciples know, even if they don't entirely understand. Despite questions or confusions, they accept what Jesus has been teaching as much as they are able (John 6:68; 16:8; Matthew 16:15–17). In this case, they will be eager to believe, but still miss the mark. What Jesus has said in the last few moments is direct, even blunt (John 16:12). That will lead the disciples to misinterpret the situation and think—even as Jesus is speaking—they already have the perspective which He has promised (John 16:29).