John 16:17

Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?

John 16:17 (KJV)

Context

Jesus spoke these words during the Last Supper, as He was preparing His disciples for His impending departure and the events that would follow, including His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. He was comforting them and preparing them for the difficult times they would face. The disciples were puzzled by Jesus’ statement, struggling to grasp the meaning of His words. They wondered what He meant by saying that they would not see Him for a little while and then see Him again, and they were also confused about His reference to going to the Father.

Meaning

The disciples’ confusion was genuine and honest, not born of unbelief but of incomplete understanding. They were still thinking in earthly terms, unable to grasp the necessity of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus was hinting at His imminent death and resurrection, preparing them for the fact that He would be taken from them and crucified, causing them not to see Him for a little while. However, He also wanted to assure them that His absence would be temporary, and they would see Him again after His resurrection.

When Jesus mentioned going to the Father, He was referring to His ascension into heaven. After His resurrection, Jesus would spend forty days appearing to His disciples and others before ascending into heaven to be with the Father. This was an important part of God’s plan, as Jesus would send the Holy Spirit to empower and guide His followers. The phrase “Because I go to the Father” points to the completion of Jesus’ mission and the basis for the disciples’ future joy.

Biblical connections

This verse sets up Jesus’ further teaching in the following verses, where He explains that their sorrow will turn to joy, using the analogy of a woman in labor (John 16:20-22). The disciples’ inability to comprehend this reveals a spiritual blindness that would only be removed after the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit. This verse highlights the contrast between human confusion and divine purpose: the disciples were focused on the immediate, painful prospect of losing Jesus, while Jesus was pointing to the necessary path to His glorification and their ultimate blessing.

Application

This verse teaches us several important lessons. First, it reminds us that in the midst of confusion or difficult circumstances, we can trust in Jesus’ words. Even when we don’t fully understand His plans, we can have faith that He is in control. Second, it assures us that Jesus’ absence is temporary. Though He is not physically present with us, He is still with us through the Holy Spirit, and we look forward to His second coming. Lastly, it highlights the significance of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension. Through His sacrifice, we have the opportunity to be reconciled with God and experience eternal life.

Reflection

John 16:17 reminds us to trust in Jesus’ words, even when we don’t fully understand His plans. It encourages us to remember the temporary nature of our present circumstances and to look forward to the hope of Christ’s return.