Matthew 23:39

Not see me. This statement is to be understood in terms of others made by Jesus during this same week, particularly that of ch. 26:64. By “henceforth” Jesus did not refer to His departure from the Temple this Tuesday afternoon, but to all the circumstances connected with His rejection, trial, and crucifixion.

Blessed is he. Jesus referred to the time when men — including those “also which pierced him” (Rev. 1:7) — would see Him “coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matt. 24:30). At the last great day even scoffers would be compelled to acknowledge the blessedness of the One whom they now so freely cursed (see Phil. 2:9-11). The scribes and Pharisees to whom Jesus spoke would be in that throng. Jesus meant, “You will not see me again till I return in glory.”

Soon after speaking these words Jesus departed forever from the precincts of the Temple. For other events preceding this departure from the courts of the Temple see on Mark 12:41-44; John 12:20-50.