Jesus now turns his attention to the disciples. They experience Jesus daily. Unlike the Pharisees, Jesus’ disciples acknowledge that in Jesus, the kingdom of God is present. That is beautiful, but do they realize what this means? Many drastic things are about to happen with him and with them. Soon it will become much worse in Jerusalem (compare Luke 9:22). The full breakthrough of the kingdom of God is not here yet. They will not experience that in their lives on earth, however much they desire it.
It is remarkable that Jesus here calls himself the Son of Man
(also in Luke 17:24, Luke 17:26, Luke 17:30).
He is man as we all are. And yet, there is more contained in him (read Hebrews 4:14–16).
This becomes evident when Jesus, during his trial, says to the high priest, But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.
(Luke 22:69).
This ascended Jesus cannot be seen now from the earth. Only Stephen saw just a glimpse of Jesus’ resplendence in heaven (see Acts 7:55). That is why it is important for the followers of Jesus to continue in their desire for his coming. This is what Jesus encourages us to do, the disciples then, and us now.
22 And he said to the disciples, “The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.