“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. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
John 14:1-7 New International Version (NIV)
After walking with His disciples for 3 years, Jesus now had the difficult task of bidding them farewell — for now. Their lives had been turned upside down and they had very little understanding of exactly what was going on, other than God was changing everything for their good and His glory right before their eyes. Jesus had finished the earthly job He was sent to do by demonstrating the power and authority God placed in Him. Now He would go back to the Father's side to complete His assignment by interceding for all those who would believe. Jesus left them with specific instructions of how to carry out God's plan of redemption and the promise of a Helper that would arrive when He left. And they would, just as we do, need lots of help! Thank God for the Holy Spirit that is very much at work helping those He indwells today.
It is through our faith and belief in Jesus Christ that we are told not to be troubled by this world. Very seldom does anyone "prepare a place" for someone not expected to move into it. Jesus is securing that place in God's Kingdom for all who believe in Him. He has already been revealed as our Savior and Lord. Our acceptance of and obedience to His Word is our way to follow Him to the place He is preparing.
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