Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 14:18

"I will not leave you desolate: I come unto you." — John 14:18 (ASV)

Jesus’ allusion to a return may refer to his reappearances after the Resurrection (chs. 20–21). But he did not remain visible for long, nor were there any public manifestations. The motive for these appearances was the need to reassure the disciples, who felt left as helpless orphans in an unfriendly world. Jesus knew that they, as spiritual children (13:33), would need the strong protection and guidance of a parent in order to survive. The resurrection of Jesus would also be the guarantee of life for the disciples. The eternal life that he would demonstrate is the same eternal life he promised to them.