Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”
At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.”
Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’?
John 16:16-19 (NIV)
Jesus told His disciples He would be gone for “a little while” before they would see Him again, foreshadowing His death and resurrection. He explained that while they would grieve during His absence, their sorrow would turn into an unshakable joy upon His return—a joy no one could ever take from them.
The disciples struggled to understand Jesus’ words, just as grief and confusion can often cloud our own faith. Jesus was preparing them for what was to come: His temporary absence would cause deep sorrow, but His resurrection would bring them a lasting joy.
In the same way, we may go through seasons where Jesus feels distant or absent. However, His resurrection is a powerful reminder that sorrow is never the final chapter. When we hold on to His promises, our temporary grief can be transformed into lasting joy. Even when we don’t fully understand our circumstances, the presence of Christ assures us that our hope is secure.
Even during times when Jesus is seemingly absent, continue to trust Him. As followers of Christ, let’s be patient in our trials, place our faith in Him, and walk in obedience to His Word and commandments.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, that sorrow is never the final word. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for opening my understanding and guiding me in truth. Even when I face struggles, help me to keep faith, to be patient, and to obey Your Word. Thank You for the joy that comes from Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“There is no one else for me, none but Jesus;Crucified to set me free, now I live to bring Him praise”
— None But Jesus, Hillsong UNITED