We have arrived at a crucial moment in the story of salvation. This is a significant Sunday in the Easter season - the Sunday prior to Ascension Day. But now the time approaches for his Ascension, his departure from earth. I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. This is indeed a crucial moment in the salvation story.
Emotions accumulate at such times - often, strongly conflicting emotions.
He prepares at this point for his Ascension to the Father. There is loss involved in such experiences - and we do well to acknowledge the loss. There are some folks who would cling to the one moving away, while others might rejoice in the moving. Then, another occasion of moving includes a young person going off to college or, a few years later, leaving college or home for a first job. In fact, last weekend Annie and I experienced the college graduation of our younger son.