When Jesus Said "Go Ye"

Photo by: Free Bible Images (Mark 14:13)

Sometimes when I’m reading the Bible, a phrase will pop out at me, and I decide to explore the phrase more thoroughly at a later date. I knew that Jesus said, “Go ye” on various occasions, not only in the Great Commission. This little study is a collection of all of Jesus’ “Go ye” statements.

In the kingdom parable about the householder and the laborers, Jesus used the phrase “Go ye” twice. Both were when the householder had hired men for a price, and he sent them into the vineyard:

            And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way (Matthew 20:4).

            They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive (Matthew 20:7).

            At the end of the parable, every laborer gets the same reward (what was agreed upon at the beginning). This is about people who are saved early in life and late in life. All get the same reward: heaven.

The next instance is in the parable of the wedding guests. The king’s invited guests didn’t take him seriously, so the king sent his servants out to the street to invite anyone, so that the wedding would be well attended. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage (Matthew 22:9). The servants came back with lots of people, and the banquet room was full. This is, of course, a parable about the Jews and gentiles.

The next “Go ye” passage is in the parable of the wise virgins. They took oil for their lamps, and the foolish virgins didn’t take oil. They weren’t prepared as they waited for the groom’s party. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him (Matthew 25:6). The foolish women asked to borrow oil, but the wise women answered saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves (Matthew 25:9). This parable teaches about Jesus’ Second Coming, that people need to be prepared when He comes.

Then, we have the Great Commission: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus outlines the mission of disciples everywhere and in every time: go, teach, baptize, disciple, and He promises to be with us. What a blessing! (Repeated in Mark 16:15)

At the end of Jesus’ ministry, when He was preparing for the Last Supper, He sent forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him (Mark 14:13). They, of course, found the man with the pitcher (a woman’s job in those days, so this was different) and they followed him to the correct upper room.

The next instance in Scripture comes at the very last week of Jesus’ life on earth. The Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill Him. Jesus answers, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected (Luke 13:32). Then, Jesus mourns over Jerusalem.

The next passage is when Jesus sends His disciples to get the colt for Palm Sunday’s triumphal entrance into Jerusalem. He tells them how to find the colt: Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither (Luke 19:30). Of course they easily find the donkey and take him to Jesus.

Jesus told his family to go ahead of Him to the feast of tabernacles: Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come (John 7:8). Jesus went “secretly” later, the Bible says. This is the last “Go ye” of Scripture.

So, which “Go ye’s” are instructions for us today?

• The Great Commission—It’s the outline for Christian ministry and the promise of God’s presence always.
• The kingdom parables tell us something about the kingdom of God. Each covers a different aspect of Jesus’ kingdom, and all are for our profit.

Go ye and be ready.

Jesus is with us always, even unto the end of the world.