What does John 14:18 mean?

Some of the predictions Jesus has made leading up to this passage are troubling. These include reminders of His impending death (John 12:23–24), warnings about a traitor in their midst (John 13:21), and prophesying that Peter would deny even knowing Jesus that very night (John 13:38). To bolster their courage and faith, Jesus has also offered extensive reassurance. He has comforted them with promises that He will return, having made preparations for them (John 14:2–3), and that by knowing Him they know the way to salvation (John 14:5–6). Most recently, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to permanently live within those who have faith in Christ (John 14:16–17).

Here, again, Jesus notes that He will come to those who believe. In context, this seems to refer to His resurrection (John 14:19; 16:16), rather to the rapture or a person's death. Upcoming comments will hint at how the disciples will be among the first on earth to see Jesus after He rises from the dead.

In the ancient world, being an orphan was even more tragic than it is today. Fatherless children were effectively homeless and penniless, dependent entirely on the charity of strangers. When Jesus promises not to leave believers—the disciples in particular—as orphans, He is reassuring them that this is not the end of their relationship with Him. They will not be abandoned or left without help.