We learn two key things in this passage of a promise and a secret which go hand-in-hand. Jesus wants to prepare his disciples for his departure but they are still uncertain about what he has said, so they continue to ask questions. Finally, Jesus gives the example of a woman in labor who knows her time has come. When the baby is delivered, pain and sorrow are transformed to joy. This is a repeated theme throughout the Bible. Jesus speaks of future things so that we might have peace as we trust in Him.