Definition: Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 13:33. It's a really beautiful and profound statement about Jesus’s relationship with his followers. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Meaning: Jesus is saying that he is still here with them, even though he’s leaving. But he’s also telling them that they will continue to seek him – to search for him and follow him – but they can't come to him right now. Let’s unpack it further: “Little children…” : This immediately sets the tone. It’s not about a formal relationship with them, but more about a gentle, loving connection. “…yet a little while I am with you.” : Jesus is emphasizing that he's present for them, but not permanently. He isn't staying forever. This suggests a temporary and precious time of closeness. “Ye shall seek me…” : This is the key part. He’s inviting them to actively look for him – to search for him, to seek him out. It’s a call to action. "...and as I said unto the Jews…” : This is where it gets really powerful. Jesus is referencing a previous conversation with his Jewish followers. He's essentially saying, “I’ve been talking to you about me before, and now I’m telling you that I’m still here.” “Whither I go, ye cannot come…” : This is the most important part of the statement. It’s a warning – Jesus is going somewhere else, and they can't follow him right now . It's not about physical distance; it's about his presence being limited. "...so now I say to you.” : This reinforces that he is still here with them, but in a way that’s temporary. It’s a message of hope and encouragement. In essence, this verse is a reminder of Jesus’s loving presence and a call to continue seeking him and living a life that reflects his teachings. It speaks about the importance of following someone who is always with you, even when they're not physically present. What does it mean for us? It means that we should: Be open to Jesus: He’s calling us to look for him in our lives – in our relationships, our decisions, and our daily actions. Live a life of faith: We need to live according to his teachings and seek his will as best we can. Trust that he's with us: It gives us comfort knowing he’s always there for us, even when we can't see him. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail or perhaps explore its connection to other parts of the Bible? For example, I could talk about: The significance of "the Jews" The idea of “following” Jesus