John 14:3 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.
In John 14, Jesus is speaking to His disciples as He prepares to leave this world. These are some of His closest followers, who have left everything to follow Him. As they sense His departure is near, their hearts are troubled.
Jesus comforts them with a promise of something better—a prepared place.
Here are three things Jesus wanted them to understand about this place:
1. A Reassuring Place (John 14:1)
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”
Jesus starts by addressing the fear and uncertainty in their hearts. He knows they are worried about what’s coming next. He tells them not to be troubled and to have faith. This reassurance is rooted in their belief in God and in Jesus Himself. For us today, life can be filled with moments of uncertainty, but Jesus offers a place of reassurance. Believing in Him means we don’t have to face our troubles alone. He promises that there is more beyond this life—a place we can look forward to without fear.
2. A Prepared Place (John 14:3)
“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.”
Jesus is not leaving His disciples without hope. He’s going ahead to prepare a specific place for them. The word “prepare” suggests intention and care; it’s not a random space but one specially made. This is comforting because it reminds us that Jesus cares for us personally. He’s preparing a place for each of His followers in His Father’s house. Today, this truth gives us hope. Our future isn’t an uncertain guess—it’s a guaranteed home with the Lord. Knowing that Jesus Himself is preparing this place assures us of His ongoing care and love.
3. An Exclusive Place (John 14:6)
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Jesus makes it clear that this place He’s preparing is exclusive. The way to it is through Him alone.
We don’t have to search for multiple paths or wonder if we’re on the right track. Jesus says plainly that He is the way. This exclusivity doesn’t mean He’s turning people away; rather, it shows His deep love in offering a clear path to the Father.
The Gospel or this “one way” is the good news that, although we are all sinners and deserve punishment (Romans 3:23, 6:23), God loves us and made a way for us to be saved. He sent His Son, Jesus, who lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead (John 3:16). To be saved, you must recognize your sin, believe that Jesus died and rose again for you, and ask Him to be your Savior. The Bible says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Today, you can trust Jesus to forgive your sins and receive eternal life.
In these verses, Jesus comforts His followers by revealing that He’s going to prepare a place for them. It’s a place that reassures us, is specially prepared for us, and can only be accessed through Him. Knowing this can fill our hearts with peace as we look forward to the day when we will be with Him in that prepared place.
