Jesus says one day we will dwell with Him “in my Father’s house”. This represents a wonderful two-fold promise worth celebrating.
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)
When a believer hears the phrase “in my Father’s house”, they are likely to reflect on some translations that have been around longer. You are likely to state this in the following way: in my Father’s house there are many mansions. Still others might say in my Father’s house there are many rooms. And then there is the version in the translation we are using here.
No matter how you say it, most believers know that these are the words of Jesus Christ, speaking to the 12 disciples during the Last Supper. These words are meant to comfort them of a wonderful promise.
When we reflect on this passage however, Jesus is really giving us a two-fold promise. Let’s learn more about how Jesus was comforting us all by sharing what is “in my Father’s house”.
Not “In My Father’s House” Yet
It should not be news to followers of Christ that being a disciple is not a smooth path. There are many blessings to being a disciple of Jesus Christ, but there are also challenges while we continue on this planet. We still live in a world marred by sin (Romans 8:18-22). We walk in a world antagonistic to Christ and His followers and the dark forces presently at work (Ephesians 6:12).
In the face of all this, it is comforting to have the great love of the Father and the fruits of the Spirit we obtain as we abide with Christ. God promises to bless His followers for their obedience and their devotion.
But our blessings don’t stop there. When this life is through, we can look forward to an eternal life with our Heavenly Father. In today’s passage, Jesus reminds us that we can look forward to being with Him “in my Father’s house”. This is a personal promise to each of His followers that comes in two parts.
The First Part of Jesus’ Promise
The first part of Jesus’ promise to us is that “in my Father’s house” He is preparing a place for us to dwell with Him there. We have reservations in Heaven! His disciples will have a place waiting for them in the New Heaven and the New Earth. He knows who are His sheep, and He is already getting ready for our arrival.
Jesus’ words seems to suggest that not only do we have an invitation in Heaven, not only will we belong there, but that we will have a residence there. Jesus has prepared an eternal home for those who love Him.
There will be a place in Heaven we call “home”. Not as a personal possession, but as an indication of belonging. Perhaps we can even take it as an indication that fellowship with other believers is not only expected to continue but we are encouraged to take full enjoyment in doing so.
If Heaven is our eternal rest, and we will know many people who are there, how wonderful it will be to share our home with them, delighting in God and one another.
The Second Part of Jesus’ Promise
The second part of this promise is that He is personally coming back to collect us. For those who are His disciples, it will be a long-awaited promise fulfilled.
Throughout the gospels, we see the personal nature in which Jesus Christ held His followers. Jesus ascribed many attributes and qualities to us. Jesus called His disciples sheep. He called us salt of the earth. In speaking with some of the 12 Jesus said He would make them “fishers of men”. These are all very personal terms, that speak to the attributes, qualities, and mission of Christ’s followers.
So is it any wonder that Jesus Christ has chosen to come claim His own, His Bride, Himself? This will be a moment of celebration and joy. And Jesus will be right there victorious, celebrating in our midst as we celebrate His return for us.
However, for those who are not ready for His return, it will be a fearful sight.
There is More Than Enough Room In My Father’s House
When Jesus tells us that “in my Father’s house” there will be more than enough room, it is a promise that His followers will be welcome. I don’t think He meant it in this additional way, but the phrase more than enough room also reminds us that the harvest is ready, and that Jesus Himself tells us to pray for more workers for the harvest.
Yes, Jesus has made us a two-fold promise of Heaven, but it is a promise that He wants us to share with others. Our joy and celebration in spending eternity with Jesus is not meant for only ourselves, but to any who would call on the name of Jesus and enter into new life with Him.
We are to be heavenly minded while here on this Earth, but heaven-mindedness shouldn’t blind us to the lost and dying around us. Being heavenly minded should drive us to unashamedly share the good news of the gospel with everyone around us, even in the face of persecution.
Yes, let’s celebrate that Jesus is inviting us “in my Father’s house”, but let’s remember that until we get there, it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone around us understands that Christ’s invitation is open to them as well.
One Day Jesus Will Invite Us “In My Father’s House”
We will face many hardships in this life as disciples of Jesus. But we have things greater than we can imagine awaiting us. So much so, in fact, that the Bible encourages us to be looking forward to that day when Jesus comes to claim His own in excited anticipation. Come, Lord Jesus!
More Bible verses about being in my Father’s house:
2 Corinthians 5:1; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Hebrews 11:16; 2 Peter 3:11-13; 1 John 3:2-3; Revelation 21:1-7
