John 16:20

Again Jesus did not answer the disciples’ question directly because they would not have been able to understand Him if He had (John 16:12). What He did say was very important, however, as His introductory asseveration indicated.

Jesus’ departure would mean great sorrow for His disciples but great joy for the world. This was the condition when Jesus died on the cross. Later the disciples’ sorrow would turn to joy. This was the result of Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:20). Some commentators viewed the second part of this verse as referring to the Lord’s return at the end of the age. However what Jesus said about the disciples being essentially joyful during the inter-advent period argues against this view (John 15:11).