What is the meaning of John 16:17? Then some of His disciples asked one another The disciples still struggled to grasp Jesus’ words, so they whispered among themselves instead of bringing their questions to Him. • John 16:5 shows Jesus noticing that “none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’” Their hesitation here repeats that pattern. • Mark 9:32 records a similar moment after the Transfiguration: “they did not understand the statement and were afraid to ask Him.” • Honest doubt is natural, but silence can keep us from receiving the clarity the Lord is ready to give (James 1:5). Why is He telling us, “In a little while you will not see Me” Jesus’ first “little while” points to the coming hours of His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. • John 12:35—He had already warned, “The Light will be with you only a little while longer.” • John 13:33—“Where I am going, you cannot come.” They would literally “not see” Him while His body lay in the tomb. • Matthew 26:31 predicts their scattering, underlining the brief but real separation. and then after a little while you will see Me This second “little while” refers to His bodily resurrection appearances beginning the first day of the week. • John 20:19-20—“Jesus came and stood among them… The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.” • Luke 24:36-43 and 1 Corinthians 15:5-7 confirm multiple post-resurrection sightings. • The gap between cross and resurrection was only three days, yet it turned their sorrow to lasting joy (John 16:20-22). and “Because I am going to the Father” Even after they saw Him risen, He would soon ascend, completing His mission and sending the Spirit. • John 14:28—“If you loved Me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father.” • John 16:10 links His departure with proving “righteousness.” The Father’s acceptance of the Son validates the cross. • Acts 1:9-11 describes the literal ascent, while John 14:19 promises ongoing spiritual sight: “Because I live, you also will live.” Through the Spirit (John 16:7), believers would “see” Him by faith until His bodily return (Revelation 1:7). summary John 16:17 captures the disciples’ confusion over Jesus’ prophecy of His imminent death, resurrection, and ascension. The two “little whiles” map out: 1. a brief separation at the cross, 2. a joyful reunion after the resurrection, 3. a final departure to the Father that opens a new era of Spirit-empowered fellowship. Their question reminds us that short seasons of darkness often precede overwhelming revelation of the risen Christ, whose triumph and ongoing presence are certain for every believer. |
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