Understanding 'I Will Go' in the Bible

The Meaning of 'I will go'

In biblical discourse, the phrase 'I will go' signifies deliberate action rooted in divine purpose or human resolve.

Grammatically, it appears in Hebrew as לָב֛וֹא (lavo) or Greek πορεύομαι (poreuthesomai), often marking intentional movement toward a goal. In John 16:5, Jesus declares, 'Now I am going to the one who sent me,' using 'go' to affirm his mission’s alignment with the Father’s will. This usage underscores the phrase’s theological weight in expressing obedience and purpose.

Jesus’ statement in John 16:5 not only highlights his agency but also invites reflection on how such declarations shape covenantal relationships in Scripture.

Jesus' Departure in John 16:5

In John 16:5, Jesus’ declaration ‘I will go’ marks a pivotal moment of clarity amid the disciples’ misunderstanding.

Speaking during his farewell discourse, Jesus says, ‘Now I am going to the one who sent me, and none of you asks me, “Where are you going?”’ (John 16:5). This statement occurs as the disciples remain oblivious to his impending crucifixion and resurrection, revealing their limited grasp of his messianic mission. By using the Greek term *poreuthesomai* - a word often linked to purposeful movement - Jesus underscores that his departure is not abandonment but a divinely ordained act of obedience. The contrast between his resolve and their confusion highlights the tension between human perception and divine revelation.

Jesus’ ‘I will go’ reflects his submission to the Father’s will, framing his death and resurrection as integral to God’s redemptive plan. This language rejects passivity, instead asserting his agency in fulfilling Scripture and securing eternal life for believers.

The statement also previews the disciples’ eventual understanding, as Jesus’ departure to the Father becomes the foundation for the Holy Spirit’s coming. This moment, though disorienting at the time, ultimately reveals the unity of purpose between Jesus and the Father - a theme that deepens in the verses that follow.

Other Biblical Uses of 'I will go'

Beyond Jesus' declaration in John 16:5, the phrase 'I will go' appears in various contexts across Scripture, often reflecting covenantal commitment or divine purpose.

In Exodus 3:8, God tells Moses, 'I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites... a land flowing with milk and honey,' framing 'go' as part of divine deliverance. Similarly, in Judges 11:36, Jephthah vows, 'If you go out to meet the Ammonites... I will bring you out, and I will bring you back,' linking the phrase to human resolve and covenantal obligation. These examples reveal a pattern where 'I will go' signifies movement toward a divinely or personally defined destiny.

Jesus' use of 'I will go' in John 16:5 transcends mere physical movement or human vow. It signifies a self‑sacrificial return to the Father that accomplishes redemption. Unlike the examples in Exodus and Judges, Jesus' declaration is both obedient and revelatory, disclosing the Trinity's redemptive plan instead of fulfilling a promise. This distinction underscores the unique theological weight of Jesus' agency in Scripture.

Putting 'I will go' into Practice

Believers today can embrace the commitment of 'I will go' by aligning their actions with God’s purposes, as seen in Jesus’ obedient mission to the Father (John 16:5).

This phrase challenges followers of Christ to respond to God’s call with intentional obedience, whether in daily choices or life-altering decisions. Jesus’ declaration in John 16:5 reveals that true obedience involves trusting God’s plan even when its full meaning remains unclear, as His disciples initially struggled to comprehend. Similarly, believers are called to step into mission, recognizing their role in advancing God’s redemptive work, as the disciples later carried the Gospel after Pentecost. 'I will go' invites trust in God’s sovereignty, affirming that His purposes - like Jesus’ return to the Father - transcend human understanding and lead to eternal fulfillment.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of Jesus’ 'I will go' in John 16:5, consider exploring commentaries on the Gospel of John and theological reflections on Christ’s redemptive mission.

Engaging with resources such as *The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary* by R.T. France or studies on the Trinity’s role in salvation history can illuminate how Jesus’ obedient departure fulfills Scripture and establishes the Father-Son relationship. Reflecting on John 16:5 - 'Now I am going to the one who sent me, and none of you asks me, “Where are you going?”' - invites readers to meditate on the unity of purpose within the Godhead and its implications for Christian discipleship.