Meaning of John 16:5

Jesus is speaking to his disciples at the Last Supper, a moment laden with profound emotional and spiritual significance. Having just spoken at length about his impending departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit (as seen in the preceding verses of John 16), Jesus now announces his imminent return to his Father. The phrase "now I am going to him who sent me" signifies his ascension to heaven, a fulfillment of his divine mission on earth. The subsequent statement, "None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?'" highlights the disciples' present state of confusion and perhaps their inability to fully grasp the implications of his words, despite his previous explanations about his destination. Their focus remains on his physical presence, and the spiritual reality of his return to the Father is not yet fully comprehensible to them.

Context and Background

This passage occurs during Jesus' farewell discourse to his disciples, recorded in the Gospel of John, chapters 13-17. The disciples are experiencing a mixture of fear, sadness, and bewilderment as Jesus prepares them for his physical absence. He has already spoken metaphorically about his departure, using phrases like "going away" and "leaving the world" (John 13:33, 14:28). However, the disciples' understanding is still limited by their earthly perspective. Jesus, in his divine omniscience, knows their inner thoughts and their unasked questions, which underscores his intimate relationship with them and his awareness of their struggles.

Key Themes and Messages

• Jesus' Divine Mission and Return: The verse emphasizes Jesus' intentionality in his earthly mission and his ultimate return to the one who sent him – God the Father. This is not a random departure but a purposeful fulfillment of divine will.
• The Disciples' Limited Understanding: The disciples' lack of questioning reveals their current spiritual immaturity and their inability to comprehend the spiritual realities Jesus is communicating. They are still thinking in earthly terms.
• Trust and Faith in the Unseen: Jesus is calling them, and by extension, us, to trust in his words and his divine plan even when the destination is not fully understood.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse speaks to the human tendency to cling to the familiar and to struggle with understanding spiritual truths that transcend our immediate experience. For believers, it is a reminder that Jesus' departure was not an end but a transition, paving the way for the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. It encourages us to cultivate a faith that trusts in God's plan, even when the path ahead is unclear. Our focus should be on the ultimate destination – our union with God – rather than solely on the transient circumstances of our earthly journey.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

John 16:5 fits within the overarching narrative of salvation history. Jesus' return to the Father is a crucial step in his redemptive work. It allows for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, who empowers the church to carry on his mission. This event also foreshadows Christ's ultimate return in glory. The disciples' initial confusion is mirrored by the gradual understanding of the early church as they experienced the Spirit's empowerment and came to a deeper theological comprehension of Christ's person and work.

Analogies

Imagine a skilled craftsman who has been sent by his master to build a specific project. He diligently works, and when the project is complete, he returns to his master for further instructions or to report on his success. The craftsman's return is not a failure but a natural conclusion to his assignment. Similarly, Jesus, having completed his earthly mission of revelation and redemption, returns to the Father who sent him. The disciples, like apprentices who are still learning the craft, may not fully grasp the significance of the craftsman's departure and return, focusing instead on the tools and materials they are accustomed to.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 14:2-3: "My Father’s house has many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." This passage directly supports Jesus' statement about going to the Father and preparing a place, implying his eventual return for his followers.
• John 16:7: "But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." This verse clarifies the purpose behind Jesus' departure, highlighting the necessity of his return to the Father for the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would then guide the disciples into all truth.
• Acts 1:9: "After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight." This account in Acts describes the physical ascension of Jesus, confirming the event Jesus is alluding to in John 16:5.