John 14:1–3 records Jesus speaking to His disciples during the Last Supper, shortly before His arrest and crucifixion. The verses read as follows (NIV):
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
Setting
- This conversation takes place in the Upper Room, where Jesus shares His final meal with His disciples (the Last Supper) and prepares them for His imminent departure. It is part of the larger discourse found in John 13–17.
Emotional State of the Disciples
- The disciples were troubled and confused. Jesus had just told them that He was going to leave them (John 13:33) and that one of them would betray Him (John 13:21–30). He also hinted at Peter’s denial (John 13:36–38). These revelations created an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty.
Purpose of the Words
- Jesus offers these words to comfort and reassure His disciples. He acknowledges their fear and directs their focus to faith in Him and in God.
- He promises a future reunion, emphasizing that His departure has a purpose: to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house (a metaphor for eternal dwelling with God).
Theological Significance
- The passage highlights themes of trust, hope, and the promise of eternal life. It points to Jesus’ role as the way to the Father and His ultimate return to bring believers into eternal fellowship with Him.
This comforting message reassured the disciples and continues to provide hope for Christians, emphasizing Jesus’ care and the certainty of eternal life with Him.
More: Lesson 10: The Way, the Truth, and the Life.
