Jesus, the Lord of life, is having a conversation with His disciples in John 13:31-33. He is giving them some important information about the future. This conversation is in contrast to the earlier conversation Jesus had with the unbelieving Jews.

Verse 31 begins with Jesus telling His disciples that He is glorified and “God is glorified in Him.” Jesus was appointed to come and die for the sins of the world. He was glorified by this appointment. However, He would further be glorified by His death, resurrection, and ascension.

All throughout Jesus’ ministry, He glorified God and God was glorified. Every word He spoke and every miracle He performed was to lift up His Father and point people to Him. Jesus did not waste time or energy on fruitless endeavors. He was very mindful of His Father’s will and He did it. Glorifying His Father was His number one goal and He accomplished it.
In the first part of verse 33, we find another prophecy. Jesus again predicts His death. He didn’t want His followers to be unaware of the future, so He spoke to them plainly and prepared them.

Verse 33 contrasts Jesus’ conversation with the unbelieving Jews in John 8:21. Jesus told the unbelievers, “I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come.” However, Jesus told His disciples, “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.”

In both statements, Jesus begins with a prophecy that was fulfilled. He told them He was going away. His life wouldn’t end naturally and it wouldn’t end in old age. He was going to lay it down, soon.
Both statements also contain the fact that they could not come with Him. This was partly for emphasis. Just in case any were wondering, He made it clear that He was going to die and they couldn’t come.

Even though these statements have some similarities, there are two, major differences. The first notable difference is the way Jesus addresses His disciples. He refers to them as “my children”. This is a term of endearment and the same phrase Jesus’ parents use when they are looking for Him in the temple. Jesus wanted to convey His love for His disciples.

Another difference is the eternal destiny of those who do not believe. We find this in John 8:21. Jesus tells the unbelievers that they will “die in their sins”. Jesus didn’t pull any punches, so to speak. If He did and if He avoided telling people what they needed to hear, He wouldn’t have been a loving person. Love doesn’t avoid the hot topics because it fears the repercussions. In fact, love cares so much that it risks all and says what needs to be said, when it comes to the crucial issue of eternal life and eternal separation from God.

Jesus is the Lord of life and like a good God, His words reveal His love. Jesus had to tell the unbelievers that they were Hellbound, so they would consider their direction and repent. He also had to convey to the disciples that He loved them, but they had to be prepared for what was to come; life without Jesus’ physical presence.