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Commentaries
English
John
  
5. Christ predicts the joy of the disciples in the resurrection feast
(John 16:16-24)
16"A little while, and you will see me no more; again a little while, and you will see me."17Some of his disciples said to one another, "What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I go to the Father’?"18They said, "What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he means."19Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him; so he said to them, "Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’?"


During this evening Jesus spoke three times of his departure. This reiteration was a shock to his disciples; they did not grasp his intent. But he also promised his return, referring initially to his resurrection from the tomb, which took place at the Passover Feast soon after. Then, he appeared to the disciples penetrating the walls; that was to be a farewell, after a brief visit on his way to his Father.
When Jesus made these predictions as they climbed at even to the Mount of Olives, they failed to understand him. Previously, he had spoken to them about the plan of his departure. Now he tells them of the actual separation about to occur. They confessed that these plans and purposes were a puzzle to them. They were troubled and confused, and were grieved at his homegoing to heaven.