John 16:5

John 16:5, in plain English

Jesus says: I'm going to the One who sent Me, but none of you is really asking where I'm going. You're too caught up in your sadness to see the bigger picture.

Why it's here

Grief has a way of narrowing your vision. The disciples can only see the loss; they cannot yet see the gain. Jesus is about to help them see beyond their sorrow.

Who's speaking

Jesus gently addresses the disciples' grief-blinded state.

Where it sits in the story

The disciples are drowning in sorrow, and Jesus gently points it out. They're so focused on losing Him that they've stopped asking where He's going and why. But Jesus is about to show them that His departure is the best thing that could happen.

The scholarly reading

Jesus notes that despite His announced departure, none of the disciples asks 'Where are You going?' with genuine theological curiosity. Their sorrow has overtaken their capacity for inquiry.

Language and setting

This seems to contradict Peter's question in 13:36 and Thomas' in 14:5, but Jesus likely means none of them are asking with true comprehension. Grief has clouded their understanding.

Voice

Jesus gently observes the disciples' sorrow-driven inability to engage with His departure theologically.

Significance

Jesus notices that grief has consumed the disciples to the point where they cannot think clearly about where He is going or why. Their sorrow is understandable but it prevents them from grasping the greater significance of His departure.

3They will do these things because they have not known the Father or Me.

4But I have told you these things so that when their hour comes, you will remember that I told you about them. I did not tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.

5Now, however, I am going to Him who sent Me; yet none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’

6Instead, your hearts are filled with sorrow because I have told you these things.

7But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit 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.

Read all of John 16 — Jesus warns of persecution and promises the Spirit of truth. A woman in labor forgets her anguish when the child arrives — and so will they.