John 14:1-6
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. – John 14:3
This passage is often read at Christian funerals to comfort and encourage the bereaved regarding the final destination of their dearly departed—”In my Father’s house are many rooms; the Lord has prepared a place for them.” Therefore, when facing the pain of losing a loved one, we can bravely confront the reality of life and death, knowing that Jesus has surely prepared and will guide our loved ones to their eternal heavenly home.
Starting from John 14, Jesus begins to prepare His disciples for the fact that He will soon depart from this world. In the first verse, we see the disciples feeling anxious and troubled, and even their faith was wavering. As Jesus comforts them, He explains to them what “death” truly means and reveals what happens after death.
Firstly, Jesus tells His disciples that His death is actually a return to His Father’s house. This Father’s house not only has room for Him but also enough space for all who follow Him. Moreover, Jesus further explains that the purpose of His return is to act as a forerunner, preparing a place for His disciples, and He will come back to take them home.
“I am going there to prepare a place for you… I will come back and take you to be with me, that you also may be where I am.” (Verses 2-3)
Thus, for Jesus, death is actually a return home, to His original homeland. This home is not only His but also the home of all His disciples, for we all originally come from the Father.
Next, Jesus says that the disciples know the way to this home. (Verse 4) This is crucial because knowing there is a good place but not knowing how to get there is ultimately useless. At this point, the quick-witted Thomas asks, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (Verse 5)
Jesus replies to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus declares that He is the only path to the Father. Only through His death and resurrection can humanity overcome the finality of death.
Today, many of the world’s great religions and cultures try to encourage people to do good and even offer glimpses into certain aspects of God. However, only Jesus can lead people back to God, enabling them to live eternally in the presence of the Father. What a glorious promise this is—death is no longer something to be feared, nor is it the final chapter of life! For those who believe in Jesus Christ, death is not the end of life but a return home—a passage to eternal life.
Today, do you believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life? Do you know the way home? He is willing to guide you home. Are you willing to follow Him?
Prayer:
Jesus Christ, the Lord of Life, thank You for coming into this world in the flesh, personally opening the way home for us. Thank You for your promise that you will come again to take us home. Strengthen my faith, that I may fully trust in the redemptive work You have accomplished and walk wholeheartedly on the path home that You have prepared for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
This passage is often read at Christian funerals to comfort and encourage the bereaved regarding the final destination of their dearly departed—”In my Father’s house are many rooms; the Lord has prepared a place for them.” Therefore, when facing the pain of losing a loved one, we can bravely confront the reality of life and death, knowing that Jesus has surely prepared and will guide our loved ones to their eternal heavenly home.
Starting from John 14, Jesus begins to prepare His disciples for the fact that He will soon depart from this world. In the first verse, we see the disciples feeling anxious and troubled, and even their faith was wavering. As Jesus comforts them, He explains to them what “death” truly means and reveals what happens after death.
Firstly, Jesus tells His disciples that His death is actually a return to His Father’s house. This Father’s house not only has room for Him but also enough space for all who follow Him. Moreover, Jesus further explains that the purpose of His return is to act as a forerunner, preparing a place for His disciples, and He will come back to take them home.
“I am going there to prepare a place for you… I will come back and take you to be with me, that you also may be where I am.” (Verses 2-3)
Thus, for Jesus, death is actually a return home, to His original homeland. This home is not only His but also the home of all His disciples, for we all originally come from the Father.
Next, Jesus says that the disciples know the way to this home. (Verse 4) This is crucial because knowing there is a good place but not knowing how to get there is ultimately useless. At this point, the quick-witted Thomas asks, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (Verse 5)
Jesus replies to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus declares that He is the only path to the Father. Only through His death and resurrection can humanity overcome the finality of death.
Today, many of the world’s great religions and cultures try to encourage people to do good and even offer glimpses into certain aspects of God. However, only Jesus can lead people back to God, enabling them to live eternally in the presence of the Father. What a glorious promise this is—death is no longer something to be feared, nor is it the final chapter of life! For those who believe in Jesus Christ, death is not the end of life but a return home—a passage to eternal life.
Today, do you believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life? Do you know the way home? He is willing to guide you home. Are you willing to follow Him?
Prayer:
Jesus Christ, the Lord of Life, thank You for coming into this world in the flesh, personally opening the way home for us. Thank You for your promise that you will come again to take us home. Strengthen my faith, that I may fully trust in the redemptive work You have accomplished and walk wholeheartedly on the path home that You have prepared for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.