IV. THE DISCIPLES’ PREPARATION BY THE SON OF GOD (13:1 – 16:33)

IV. THE DISCIPLES’ PREPARATION BY THE SON OF GOD (13:1 – 16:33) A. THE DISCOURSE IN THE UPPER ROOM (Jn 13:1 – 14:31) 5. The Promise of Residence (14:1-3) Read Jn 14:2. The reason is now spelled out for not being troubled: Jesus’ departure is for the disciples’ advantage.

“My Father’s house” refers to heaven, and in heaven are “many dwelling places” (nasb), “many rooms” (niv). The point is not the lavishness of each apartment, but the fact that such ample provision has been made that there is more than enough space for every one of Jesus’ disciples to join Him in His Father’s home.

Read Jn 14:2b. ~ Jesus’ words give us great encouragement. ~ He never held back the truth from them. ~ Because He always told the truth, we can trust Him with our future as well. Read Jn 14:2c. ~ First of all, these words presuppose that the “place” exists before Jesus gets there.

~ It is the going itself, via the cross and resurrection, that prepares the place for Jesus’ disciples. So just to summarize, the traditional or most accepted interpretation of this phrase teaches that Jesus is going to heaven to prepare “rooms” or “dwelling places” for His followers. There is another view: that the passage primarily speaks of the believers’ immediate access to God the Father through the Son.

~ Heaven is not about splendid accommodations; it is about being with God. ~ As such, the promise in Jn 14:2-3 relates to the corporate fellowship that would be possible through Christ’s departure and return in the Spirit. Contextually, the traditional view/interpretation is still best.

~ Nevertheless, in either interpretation, Jesus offers spiritual comfort that begins immediately when we believe. ~ And His Father’s many-roomed house represents gracious welcome and provision for us as we live in union with Him. The Lord assured them that His going away to the Father’s house had as its purpose a reunion, and was not a permanent separation.

~ In fact, His very going away would make this reunion possible, so that what appeared to be a calamity was in reality a blessing. Read Jn 14:3. ~ The details of the text argue that these two verses refer to the Second Coming of Jesus. ~ This passage on Christ’s return focuses on the comfort to be enjoyed by believers in the presence of God.

Also observe: not “I will take you to that place,” but : “I will take you to Myself”. ~ SO WONDERFUL IS CHRIST'S LOVE FOR HIS OWN THAT HE IS NOTSATISFIED WITH THE IDEA OF MERELY BRINGING THEM TOHEAVEN. HE MUST TAKE THEM INTO HIS OWN EMBRACE. The verb translated, “and receive you” (nasb) has here the sense of welcoming someone.

When we face troubling times we often feel overwhelmed by fear, doubts, grief, and conflict. ~ Though faced with possible or certain failure, we have assurances in Jesus’ words to remain calm and hopeful: God is trustworthy, and He has sent Christ, who is also trustworthy, to us. God has a gracious welcome and plenty of space in His “house.”

Jesus spoke the truth. Jesus did exactly what He said He would do. Jesus is always with us, and someday we will be face to face with Him. We can look forward to eternal life because Jesus has promised it to all who believe in Him. ~ But we can actually begin to enjoy eternal life now, for it became ours the moment we believed in Jesus.

~ We can live today with a new destiny in mind. ~ Wherever the Christ is, there too are the believers.

IV. THE DISCIPLES’ PREPARATION BY THE SON OF GOD (13:1 – 16:33)