Jesus is addressing His disciples during a time of great anticipation and anxiety. He is preparing them for the events that are about to unfold, namely His crucifixion and resurrection. When He says they will see Him no more, He is referring to His impending death, which will indeed take Him away from their physical presence. However, He quickly follows this with the assurance that after a little while, they will see Him again. This is a clear reference to His resurrection, which will bring Him back into their lives in a powerful and transformative way.
This statement is layered with meaning. It not only speaks to the immediate context of Jesus' death and resurrection but also to the broader Christian hope of seeing Jesus again in the future. It reflects the cyclical nature of loss and renewal, absence and presence, which is a recurring theme in the Christian faith. The disciples, and all believers, are encouraged to hold onto hope and trust in Jesus' promises, even when circumstances seem bleak. This passage reassures Christians that God's timing is perfect and that His plans, though sometimes mysterious, are always for the ultimate good.