John 7:33,34 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Yet a little while am I with you, &c.— While the rulers were taking counsel against him, Jesus was preaching to the people concerning the improvement which it became them to make of his ministry among them: "Yet a little while, said our Lord, and my ministry among you is at an end; you ought therefore, while it lasts, to make the best possible improvement of it; particularly, you should listen to my sermons with great attention, that you may have your minds stored with the truths of God before I go away: for after I am gone, you shall earnestly desire my presence with you, but shall not obtain it: You shall seek me, and shall not find me." This seeking for the Messiah was general through the nation during thecalamities in Judea occasioned by Titus and his armies, and has continued among the Jews ever since, in all the countries where they have been dispersed—but to no purpose; for their Messiah having already appeared, it is in vain to expect another. By thus predicting his own death, our Lord insinuated, that he both knew the present disposition of the council, and foresaw that they would soon put an end to his ministry by taking away his life. Indeed, some suppose that our Lord spoke these words to the officers themselves, who were sent to take him; as much as to say, "I know the design on which some of you are come; but my Father will not permit you immediately to execute it: for yet a little while longer I am to continue, &c."—Where I am, thither ye cannot come, means, "You cannot come to heaven, where I am soon to be." The reason mentioned in the parallel passage, Ch. John 8:21 shews this to be our Lord's meaning: "I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come, because ye shall die in your sins:" or as it is expressed in this discourse, "because ye shall not find me, you cannot come to heaven."