What Old Testament prophecies align with Jesus' departure mentioned in John 16:5? Setting the Stage: John 16:5 in View “ But now I am going to Him who sent Me; yet none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ ” (John 16:5) Psalm 16:10-11 – The Path to the Father • “For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay. You reveal to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” • David’s words look past death to a resurrected life in God’s presence, fulfilled when Jesus rises and then ascends to the Father’s right hand (Acts 2:25-33). Psalm 68:18 – The Victorious Ascension • “You ascended on high; You led captives in Your train; You received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God might dwell there.” • Paul expressly ties this verse to Christ’s ascension (Ephesians 4:8-10). Jesus’ “going” in John 16 anticipates this triumphant return to heaven. Psalm 110:1 – Seated at God’s Right Hand • “The LORD said to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’” • Frequently quoted in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 22:44; Acts 2:34-36), this prophecy pinpoints the destination Jesus announces—He will sit enthroned beside the Father. Isaiah 53:10-12 – From Suffering to Exaltation • “After He has suffered, He will see the light of life and be satisfied... Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great.” (excerpts) • The Servant’s return to life and subsequent exaltation align with Jesus’ declaration that He is leaving the disciples to resume heavenly glory (cf. John 17:5). Daniel 7:13-14 – The Son of Man Presented • “I continued watching in the night visions, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence.” • Jesus applies this title to Himself (Matthew 26:64). His departure in John 16 is the very approach to the Ancient of Days Daniel foresaw. Additional Echoes and Supporting Texts • Micah 5:2-4 – Messiah’s goings-forth are “from the days of eternity,” yet He will “shepherd” in the LORD’s strength after His return. • Zechariah 6:12-13 – “He will build the temple of the LORD…and He will sit and rule on His throne.” This merging of priestly and royal roles follows His departure. • Proverbs 30:4 – “Who has ascended into heaven and come down?” answers ultimately in Christ, validating His unique authority to depart and return. How These Prophecies Enrich Our Reading of John 16:5 • They confirm that Jesus’ “going” is not an unexpected tragedy but the long-promised pathway to glory. • They reveal the continuity of God’s redemptive plan, linking David’s songs, Isaiah’s Servant, and Daniel’s Son of Man to the Upper-Room promise. • They assure believers that Jesus’ physical absence ushers in His exalted presence—sending the Spirit (John 16:7) while reigning for us in heaven (Hebrews 4:14-16). |
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