Jesus therefore said. £ We are left in doubt to whom he addressed these weighty words, probably to the entire group of friends and foes. Yet a little while am I with you (six months would bring round the last Passover).
The movement had not escaped him. It is as though he had said, "I see all that will happen. This is my death struggle with those whom I am sent to teach and save. For a little while only will the possibility of approach to me for life and peace be continued.
You have taken steps to shorten my career. You would even now silence me." And I go £ unto him that sent me. I am going; you are hurrying me back to the Father who sent me on this commission of instruction and of life giving.
This was in a sense enigmatical and puzzling. It might bear other meanings than the one which we now see it to have borne. It is quite extravagant of Reuss to describe the misunderstandings of Christ's hearers as an intolerable contradiction.
We are not so ready or able to understand any of our Lord's words in all their fulness even now.