Takeaways

Jesus has been saying some hard things, and His disciples are understandably troubled.  Jesus continues His conversation with them with words that are comforting and relevant.

Jesus talks about “His Father’s house” and “many rooms” and that Jesus is preparing a place for them.

We’ve often thought or been taught that this means there are mansions in heaven and Jesus is working on them for us.  But the words used, “house” and “rooms”  actually refer more to the inhabitants (i.e. households/places of abiding /  dwellings) and are a word picture for Jesus to assure the disciples that there is plenty of room in the Father’s presence and He is making a spot for them.

In verse 6, he also tells them that the way to the Father, to an intimate life with Him, is through Jesus—He is not only the way but the truth and the life.  

We have the privilege of enjoying the same relationship with the Father that Jesus did – one motivated by 1) love and 2) the Father’s glory.  As a result of this ongoing dependence, trust, and love, we will see and do works that glorify God and experience miracles, signs, and wonders – things that reveal God’s power and love.  

We need to know that Jesus perfectly reveals Who God is and that life with God is perfectly experienced in and through Jesus.

🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃

Reflection Prompters / Exercises

1. Have you thought about “houses/rooms” in heaven in this way before – as the inhabitants/households/presence of God compared to tangible homes?  If not, how does this change your perspective of heaven and the importance of relationships?

2. God is delighted to receive glory because we obey what He tells us. How have you experienced this in a personal situation?

3. What is the Father doing in your life right now?

4. What is the Father saying to you right now?

5. Truths to write down, meditate on, and pray over:

• I am perfectly loved by the Father and Jesus, who provided a way for me to enjoy intimacy with them.
• Jesus was willing to admit when He was troubled. It is okay for me to do the same.
• Jesus’ words to me are always comforting and relevant.
• Jesus and the Father are intertwined.  I have access to the Father because of Jesus.
• (From the worship set) Look to the lamb, He is the light of our salvation, all praise belongs to Him alone. 🎶