Charles Ellicott Commentary John 16:19

"Jesus perceived that they were desirous to ask him, and he said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, A little while, and ye behold me not, and again a little while, and ye shall see me?" — John 16:19 (ASV)

Now Jesus knew they were desirous to ask him.—The purpose of His enigmatic saying (John 16:29) has been accomplished. Their attention has been aroused, and they have taken the first step toward knowledge. They inquire among themselves, and this spirit of inquiry, which He reads in their hearts (compare to John 2:25 and John 6:6), He proceeds to answer.

The first part of His answer concerns their difficulty about the little while. In John 16:28, He answers their thought about His going to the Father.