“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3 (KJV)
The only consolation to troubled hearts is a confidence in the One who makes all things new. Consider this from the disciples’ point of view. “We thought he was the one who should be the redeemer of Israel” (Lu. 24:21). But Jesus has just explained to them that he must be crucified so that he may return to the Father’s house. That would be troubling news, don’t you think?
The trouble resulted from their perspectives and weak faith. His crucifixion and return to the Father’s house was not the problem. The problem was their lack of trust in him as their redeemer. The problem was with their lack of certainty as to his identity. So Jesus challenges them to believe in him as they believe in God. They have believed in God whom they have not seen, so why can they not believe in Jesus who has been doing the works of God among them?
Evidently, they were concerned about being left behind. Jesus gives them two assurances. First, he asks a question. Most modern versions translate it as a statement but in the original it is a question. “In my father’s house are many mansions: if it were not true, would I have told you that?” He is asking for trust here. Do you not believe that I will tell you the truth? So, the first assurance is that we can trust Jesus. Second, he explains his purpose in leaving them. “I go to prepare a place for you (in the father’s house).” And finally, he redirects their understanding. If preparing you a place is my purpose, then logically, “I will come again for you, so that you may also live with me (in the father’s house).” You can trust me to do what I say that I will do.
Trusting Jesus, believing in Jesus, and paying attention to his Word must be more than something to shout about on Sundays. Belief becomes a part of the believer’s core being. Trust that he will do what he has said becomes an essential weapon in the disciple’s armory. Paying close attention to the Word of God is simply learning how to use the Sword of the Spirit correctly. “Put on the whole armor of God.”
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. We praise you O God for who you are and for who we are in Christ. Forgive us our faults and failures. Empower us with faith and trust. Enable us to be fully clothed with your armor. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for who he is and live to his glory,