What does "where I am going, you cannot come" teach about Jesus' mission? Setting the Scene • John 7:34 — “‘You will look for Me, but you will not find Me; and where I am, you cannot come.’” • John 8:21 — “‘I am going away, and you will look for Me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.’” • John 13:33 — “‘Little children, I am with you only a little longer… where I am going, you cannot come.’” Jesus’ Destination: The Father’s Presence • His words point to His return to the heavenly glory He shared “before the world existed” (John 17:5). • Only the sinless Son can enter the Father’s presence by His own merit (Hebrews 1:3). • Humanity, stained by sin, has no access apart from Him (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3:23). The Exclusivity of the Cross • “Where I am going” first means Calvary. No one else could bear the world’s sin (1 Peter 2:24). • He alone is the spotless Lamb; we cannot join Him on that mission (John 1:29). • Hebrews 9:11-12: He entered the Most Holy Place “once for all… obtaining eternal redemption.” Separation Exposed • To hostile hearers, the phrase is a sober warning: unbelief locks the door (John 8:24). • Sin creates an unbridgeable gap—unless bridged by Christ (Ephesians 2:12-13). • The statement forces choice: trust Him or remain separated forever (John 3:18). Promise for Believers: “Afterward” • Peter asks, “Lord, why can’t I follow You now?” Jesus replies, “You will follow later” (John 13:36). • Resurrection and ascension prepare the way for our future arrival (John 14:2-3; Acts 1:9-11). • Union with Christ means we will one day be “where He is” (John 17:24). Mission Revealed in a Sentence • It affirms Jesus as the only Savior who can go to the cross, the grave, and glory on our behalf. • It exposes humanity’s helplessness to secure its own salvation. • It declares both warning and invitation: no entry without Him, full access through Him. Living It Out • Rest in His finished, exclusive work—nothing to add (John 19:30). • Walk in gratitude, knowing He opened a way we could never tread (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Share the urgency: apart from Christ, “you cannot come,” but in Him the way is open (John 14:6). |
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