Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. WEB” John 14:1-3 WEB
Jesus makes these statements in the context of frequent references to his impending death. And so, Jesus reassures his disciples not to be troubled. This is reassurance in the spiritual sense. Of course his death will sadden his followers, but Jesus’ call is to bravery and endurance of difficulty without losing faith in their salvation made apparent after his resurrection.
This interpretation is supported by Jesus’ words recorded in John 16:20 which reads, “Most certainly I tell you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. WEB” These words speak directly to Jesus’ resurrection reinforcing the promise of eternal life.
Christ says in John 10:28, “I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. WEB” When Jesus says, “In my Father’s house are many homes,” his reassurance is that there is plenty of room in heaven for those who believe in him.
The Bride of Christ
Saying that he goes to prepare a place for his disciples, Jesus encourages them that he will return, receiving the faithful into the kingdom of heaven. This parallels the promise a groom makes to his bride in the Hebrew tradition. First, the prospective groom travels from his father’s home to the house of the bride and pays a price for the marriage establishing a covenant.
Next, the groom returns to his father’s house. During the period of separation from his future bride, the groom prepares living accommodations for his betrothed. After a period of separation, the groom returns at an undisclosed time and carries his bride away to his father’s house for the wedding. Finally, there is a wedding feast celebration.
Similarly, Jesus came and paid the price for our sin. Through the grace of God, our faith in him makes each believer a member of God’s holy family. As the bride of Christ, the Lord prepared a place for us, as he says, “in my Father’s house.” One day, he will return and take us to live eternally in our heavenly Father’s home.
Prayer: ‘Father God, thank you for forgiving my sins. Thank you for the promise of eternity with you in heaven. Give me wisdom to grow in your Spirit. Guide my steps to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Abundance of Peace
