The reply of Jesus doesn’t even mention His disciples. He is obviously determined to protect them to the very end, which is probably why He used the emphatic “I” three times in this reply. He takes all of the attention from them and places it upon Himself.

Jesus taught openly (John 8:26; 10:24-25; 16:25 , 29) just like His Father (Isa 45:19) and instructed His disciples to do likewise (Matt 10:27). He taught in the Temple (John 2:19; 7:14 , 28; 8:20; Mark 14:49) and in the synagogue (John 6:59). All of these were public places and His words were also public.

John 8:26  “I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is reliable, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.”

John 10:24-25  The Jews gathered round him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”  Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me,

John 16:25  “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father.

John 16:29  Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech.

Isaiah 45:19  I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right.

Matthew 10:27  What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.

John 2:19  Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

John 7:14  Not until halfway through the Feast did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach.

John 7:28  Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him,

John 8:20  He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no-one seized him, because his time had not yet come.

Mark 14:49  Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”

John 6:59  He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.