Luke 17:22

Said unto the disciples. Whether this was in the presence of the Pharisees (see on vs. 20, 21), or at a later time when Jesus was alone with His disciples, is not certain. It would seem that the discourse of vs. 22-37 was spoken either immediately following the comments of vs. 20, 21 or soon thereafter.

Days will come. The discourse of vs. 22-37 deals with the future kingdom of glory rather than with the present kingdom of divine grace (see on Matt. 4:17; 5:2). Jesus has affirmed that the kingdom of grace is already here, set up and operating, in the hearts of men (Luke 17:21). But Jesus now warns His disciples that the kingdom of glory, which the Pharisees erroneously concluded to be the subject of Jesus’ teaching, is yet future — “the days will come” in contrast to “[now] within you” (v. 21).

Desire to see. That is, the actual establishment of the kingdom of glory at the coming of the Son of man (see on Matt. 25:31). Here Jesus refers to the longing in the heart of every true disciple for the full realization of the coming kingdom. The longing of the Twelve would be intensified as they looked back at the opportunities they once had had, but did not fully appreciate at the time, of walking and talking with their beloved Master (see DA 506). Jesus was with them now, yet many were not properly appreciative of His presence. When He would be taken away from them their estimation of the privilege of being with Him would increase greatly. Before His departure He would promise to come back again (see John 14:1-3), and in His absence they would long eagerly for His promised return.

Son of man. See on Matt. 1:1; Mark 2:10.

Not see it. Because the time had not yet arrived for His second coming.