Jesus perceived that they were desirous to ask him, and he said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, A little while, and ye behold me not, and again a little while, and ye shall see me?
19. Jesus, therefore, knew that they wished to ask him. Though sometimes the Lord appears to speak to the deaf, he, at length, cures the ignorance of his disciples, that his instruction may not be useless. Our duty is to endeavor that our slowness of apprehension may not be accompanied by either pride or indolence, but that, on the contrary, we show ourselves to be humble and desirous to learn.
Verse 19. (m) "Now Jesus" (n) "A little while"
Now you must ask quickly; your season of grace is ending and He withdraws from sight at death and ascension. Yet speedily He returns, in resurrection within forty hours, and through the Spirit's presence thereafter. His farewell is not final.
AI summary
Commenting on John 16:16-22