but you cannot yet bear to hear it
The phrase "cannot yet bear" uses the Greek word δύνασθε (dunasthe), meaning "to be able" or "to have the power." This implies that the disciples, at that time, lacked the spiritual capacity or maturity to fully comprehend or handle the profound truths Jesus wished to impart. The historical context here is crucial; the disciples were still grappling with the immediate realities of Jesus' impending crucifixion and their own expectations of a messianic kingdom. This statement is both a recognition of their current limitations and a promise of future growth. It underscores the necessity of the Holy Spirit, who would later empower and enlighten them, enabling them to understand and bear the full weight of Jesus' teachings. This reflects a broader scriptural theme of spiritual growth and maturity, as believers are gradually transformed and equipped to grasp deeper spiritual truths.

Ye cannot bear them now.--Comp. John 15:15. The statements are not opposed to each other. On His side there is the readiness to impart to them as friends all things that He had heard from the Father. But revelation can only be made to the mind which can accept it; and for those who have only in part understood what He has told them there are many things which cannot now be borne.

Of what the "many things" were, we have only this general knowledge. They would include, doubtless, the doctrinal system of the early Church, and they would not exclude all the lessons which the spirit of God has taught the Church in every age.

The fact that there were truths which Christ Himself could not teach is a lesson which men who profess to teach in Christ's name have too seldom learnt. St. Paul found in it a rule for his own practice. He, too, fed men with milk because they could not bear meat. (Comp. Note on 1Corinthians 3:3.) It is true, indeed, that no one can teach who does not possess a higher knowledge than that of his pupil; but it is no less true that no one can really teach who does not take the lower ground of his pupil's knowledge, and from that lead him to his own. Truths which the cultured mind accepts as obvious would appear no less so to the peasant if he were carefully taught them. Too often the weaker brother finds a stumbling-block in the very steps which should lead him to a higher truth, because he approaches them blindly, and without a guide. For the breach which exists between the higher Christian thought of our day and the faith of the masses of the people, Christian teachers are in no small degree responsible, and the only means by which the chasm may be bridged is to teach Christ's truths as He Himself taught them.