ACC ~ John 13 v33

JESUS’ IMPENDING DEATH

ORIGEN: The statement “Yet a little while I am with you” is clear in the simple sense, so far as the literal sense is concerned, since he would soon no longer be with the disciples. First, he was arrested by the cohort and the tribune and the servants of the Jews who bound him and led him off to Annas first, and after this he was delivered to Pilate. Next, he was condemned to the cross, and then he spent three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. [1] COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 32.376. [2]

[1] See Mt 12:40.

[2] FC 89:412; SC 385:348

JESUS INCITES THE DISCIPLES’ LOVE FOR HIM

CHRYSOSTOM: “Where I go, you cannot come.” He shows that his death is a removal and a change for the better to a place that does not admit corruptible bodies. This he says both to excite their love toward him and to make it more fervent. You know that when we see any of our dearest friends departing from us, our affection is warmest, and the more so when we see them going to a place to which it is not even possible for us to go. He said these things then, terrifying the Jews but kindling longing in the disciples. This is such a place that not only they, but not even you, my most beloved, can come there. In this statement he also makes clear his own dignity [since he can go there]. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 72.4. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 14:266**.

SEEKING JESUS AS THE WORD

ORIGEN: For in that “little while” in which they would not see him, they would seek Jesus, and for this reason they would weep and lament, although their grief would change to joy when the saying was fulfilled, “And again a little while and you will see me.” [1] But to seek Jesus is to seek the Word, and wisdom, and justice, and truth and the power of God, all of which Christ is. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 32.385, 387. [2]

[1] Jn 16:19.

[2] FC 89:414; SC 385:352-54.

THE APOSTLES SEEK AND FIND JESUS AFTER THE RESURRECTION

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: He references the time up until his passion when he says “only a little longer.” He says to the Jews, “You will look for me,” and adds, “and you will not find me,” because they would no longer see him anymore after his passion. But to his disciples he only says, “You will look for me.” Indeed, they looked for him and, since they were led by devotion in their search for him and saw themselves deprived of the care of their teacher, they found him. They saw him after his resurrection, and they lived and ate with him until he ascended into heaven. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 6.13.33. [1]

[1] CSCO 4 3:262.

THE APOSTLES CANNOT FACE DEATH NOW, BUT WILL LATER

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: But, he says, as I said to the Jews that they could not come where I go, “so now I say to you.” Notice that he added “now.” By saying that they could not come where he goes, he means that they still cannot face death like him. In fact, they all run away. And even Simon denied him. But he added “now” to declare that afterward they would disregard sufferings and trials. Indeed, after the descent of the Holy Spirit they even enjoyed suffering for Christ since they were fully confirmed in faith in him and in the promise of future things. Therefore, he says, even though you are led by love to look for me—I know that you do this because of your love for me—nevertheless you cannot prove now your love with your works since your natural weakness inspires you with fear. Therefore things are going to happen [now] that cannot happen in a different way. If you want, you can do what I am teaching you to do even now while you are still a little apprehensive since it is useful now, and it will be [even more] useful later. COMMENTARY ON JOHN 6.13.33. [1]

[1] CSCO 4 3:262-63.