“Little children” is used by Jesus as a term of endearment. We may see this as belittling or insulting, but Jesus means this as a sign of how close the disciples are to Him. Jesus is going away. He is preparing the disciples for His death on the cross. It is important to note well the tone and concern that Jesus has for His disciples all the way through to His "High Priestly Prayer" in John 17.
“Where I am going you cannot go.” Jesus is clear and correct. These men had followed Him for years. They had stayed with Him, eaten with Him, walked and talked with Him. Now He alone had to go. He is going to the cross where only He, the God-Man Jesus Christ, could go to accomplish the plan and will of God. Their deaths at this point would not accomplish the purposes of God. They could not join in the work that only Jesus could do. There is only one Savior and only one way to salvation and that is through the Son of God, Jesus Christ. It is through what He alone could do and did do on the cross.
Do you understand this? It is vital that you see Christ is the only way to God!
Consider: Galatians 3:13-14
