Lots of people lament the “long goodbye.” They find lengthy leave-takings overly sentimental, or maudlin, or awkward and uncomfortable, or even just bad luck. For those who want to say goodbye as swiftly as possible, the post-911 security rules at airports that require kicking your loved one to the curb, instead of lingering and waving at the gate, were a blessing.

But Jesus was a “long good-byer.” In all four of the gospels, Jesus spends much of his time talking with his uncomprehending disciples about his impending departure. His “farewell discourse” is extensive. After his resurrection Jesus returns to his disciples only to continue saying “good bye.” In the final book of the New Testament, John recounts the vision he received from the now ascended and glorified Christ — it is in fact …