Definition: 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?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from John 16. It's a really fascinating and profound message about Jesus’ future role. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling his disciples that he’s going to die on the cross. But before he dies, he’s going to return to God! He's saying this isn’t a normal ending; it's a temporary separation. Let’s unpack it part by part: “Then said [some] of his disciples among themselves…” – This means that some of the people Jesus trusted and listened to were discussing this with each other. It’s a private conversation, not something everyone knows. “…What is this that he saith unto us?” – This is the core of the mystery. “Saith” (or “says”) means "says" or "declares." So, he's saying something important. “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?” – This is where it gets really powerful. He’s using a clever way of describing the process. "A little while..." – He's saying this will be temporary. It won't last forever. "...and ye shall not see me:" - The people are experiencing separation from him, and they can’t fully understand what he’s doing. They might feel lost or confused. “And again, a little while, and ye shall see me:” – He will return to his Father. He'll be with God for a period of time. "...Because I go to the Father?” - This is the key part! He’s explaining that because he is going to the Father, he is not fully present with them in this moment. The people are experiencing a glimpse of what's coming – a separation and a return. What does it mean for us? This passage speaks to several important truths: Jesus’ Sacrifice: It highlights that Jesus’ death was necessary to reconcile him with God. It’s not about him dying, but being reconciled to God through his sacrifice. The Importance of Faith: The disciples are being asked to believe in this future event – the return of Jesus. Their faith is crucial because it's a time when they won't see him physically. Hope and Anticipation: It’s a message of hope, because despite the separation, we can still anticipate his return and the ultimate victory over death. In short, John 16:17 says that Jesus is going to die, but he will return to God before he dies, and this is a significant part of how he plans to bring about salvation. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect it to other Bible stories or themes?