Not only did our Saviour seek to direct the minds of the disciples to the fact that he was to die and rise again, but he desired also to teach them that the kingdom was not to come until he should go away and return again. Referring to his crucifixion he said, “I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth forever; and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?” 38John 12:32-34. GSAM 66.3
To impress the minds of the disciples more fully with the fact that he was to go away, and return again, before his kingdom would be established on earth, he said, “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.... Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.” 39John 13:33-36. He then encouraged their anxious and sorrowing hearts with these words: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” 40John 14:1-3. GSAM 67.1