Jesus tells us today that He is going to His Father’s home and will prepare a place for us. This is a phrase we have heard a lot through the years, and we probably heard a few sermons preached about it. But what is happening? What is Jesus talking about when He says this? Preparing a room has a specific meaning in that culture that still rings true for us today. I unpack what that means for us, but in short, our Father loves us, and our Father will take care of us.

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Good morning, everyone! I hope your weekend was restful and blessed, especially if you celebrated All Saints Sunday. We had a meaningful service at St. Matthews, one of my favorite services of the year, filled with reflection and community.

Today, we continue our study of John’s Gospel, diving into John 14, a chapter of great comfort as Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure. We start with verses 1-3, where Jesus reassures them, saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Here, He invites them to believe in Him, as they believe in God, reminding them of the eternal home He prepares in the Father’s house. This passage, often shared at funerals, carries profound hope, promising that we will be united with Christ in a place prepared with love and intention.

In the cultural context, this promise reflects a beautiful tradition: in ancient times, a father would build an extension onto the family home so that the eldest son, once married, could bring his bride home. Jesus, acting as a loving father, tells His disciples He’s going ahead to prepare this eternal place, comforting them amid the coming trials.

This reminder was especially meaningful for me during a trip to Israel, where a friend showed us how his family had expanded their home for each generation—living proof of this scripture. Just as Jesus lovingly prepared for His disciples, God is constantly caring for us, providing an eternal home in His presence. All Saints Day reminds us of this reality, where one day we’ll reunite with loved ones, dwelling together with God.

As we journey through this week, remember the Father’s promise of a prepared place. He sees, loves, and cares for us deeply. We’ll continue in John 14 tomorrow. Blessings for the week ahead!