John 16:16-24 - Jesus Predicts His Return To The Disciples

¹⁶ Within a little while ye shall not see me: but within a little while ye shall see me again, because I am going to the father.

¹⁷ then said some of his disciples among themselves, what is the meaning of his saying, "within a little while ye shall not see me: but within a little while ye shall see me again, because I am going to the father?" ¹⁸ for, said they, we cannot comprehend the meaning of that expression, "within a little while?"

¹⁹ now Jesus perceiving that they had a mind to ask him, said to them, are you sollicitous about what I said, "within a little while ye shall not see me: but within a little while ye shall see me again?"

²⁰ verily, verily I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. ²¹ a woman when she is in travail, is afflicted at the approach of her pains: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, the remembrance of her anguish, is lost in her joy, that a man is born into the world. ²² so you are afflicted at present: but I will see you again, and then shall your hearts be affected with joy, and your joy shall no one wrest from you. ²³ tho' then you cannot ask any thing of me in person, whatever ye shall ask the father in my name, I assure you he will grant it. ²⁴ hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be compleat.