What is the meaning of John 16:5? Now, however Jesus signals a decisive turning point. Up to this moment He has prepared the disciples for what is coming—betrayal, crucifixion, resurrection, and departure. “Now” marks the nearness of those events. Earlier He had spoken of His absence in general terms (John 14:2-4), but here the moment is immediate. • The contrast (“however”) reminds us that divine plans move forward even when human feelings lag behind (John 16:33). • John 16:6 notes their hearts were “filled with grief,” showing why this new statement matters: sorrow must yield to trust in God’s timing (Psalm 31:15). I am going to Him who sent Me Jesus restates His mission’s bookends—sent by the Father, returning to the Father (John 13:3; 17:11). • His going is not defeat but completion (John 19:30). • The Father’s sending underscores divine authority; the return underscores acceptance of the finished work (Hebrews 10:12-13). • Because He goes to the Father, the Helper will come (John 16:7), proving this departure benefits believers. yet none of you asks Me Moments earlier Peter had asked, “Lord, where are You going?” (John 13:36), and Thomas said, “We do not know where You are going” (John 14:5). Those were surface-level concerns focused on separation, not on God’s redemptive plan. • Jesus exposes that their present silence flows from self-absorbed sorrow (John 16:6). • Genuine faith looks beyond immediate loss to God’s larger purpose (Romans 8:28). ‘Where are You going?’ The question Jesus wants is not a mere geographic inquiry but a spiritual pursuit: “Show us the glory of Your return so we can rejoice.” • Had they truly asked, He would have unfolded the joy of His exaltation (Philippians 2:9-11). • Knowing His destination would strengthen them to endure the coming trial (Hebrews 12:2). • We learn to center our attention on Christ’s position at the Father’s right hand (Colossians 3:1-2) rather than on the pain of His temporary absence. summary John 16:5 highlights a gracious correction. Jesus is on the verge of completing His mission and returning to the Father, yet the disciples’ sorrow blinds them to the triumph embedded in His words. By pointing out that they have not truly asked, “Where are You going?” He invites them—and us—to lift our eyes from loss to glory, from immediate feelings to eternal realities. His departure is victory, securing the Spirit’s arrival and guaranteeing our hope. |
    |