John 14:3

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am.

Study Bible

And if I go
This phrase begins with a conditional "if," which in the Greek is "ἐὰν" (ean), suggesting a certainty rather than a mere possibility. Jesus is speaking to His disciples about His impending departure, which is His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The "go" refers to His journey to the cross and ultimately to heaven. Historically, this was a time of great confusion and fear for the disciples, as they struggled to understand the necessity of Jesus' departure.

and prepare a place for you
The Greek word for "prepare" is "ἑτοιμάζω" (hetoimazō), which means to make ready. This preparation is not just about physical space but a spiritual readiness. Jesus is assuring His followers that His departure is purposeful, as He is making a way for them to be with the Father. The "place" signifies a dwelling in the Father's house, a concept deeply rooted in Jewish eschatological hope, where God's people would dwell with Him eternally.

I will come again
The promise "I will come again" is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology. The Greek "πάλιν ἔρχομαι" (palin erchomai) indicates a future return. This is a reference to the Second Coming of Christ, a foundational belief in conservative Christianity. It assures believers of Christ's return to fulfill His promises and establish His kingdom fully.

and receive you to Myself
The word "receive" in Greek is "παραλαμβάνω" (paralambanō), which means to take to oneself. This is a personal and intimate action, emphasizing the relational aspect of Jesus' promise. It reflects the deep love and commitment of Christ to His followers, ensuring that they will be with Him. This phrase reassures believers of their ultimate union with Christ, a central hope in Christian doctrine.

that where I am, you may be also
The phrase "where I am" speaks to the eternal presence of Christ with the Father. The Greek "ὅπου εἰμὶ ἐγώ" (hopou eimi egō) emphasizes the present and continuous existence of Jesus in the divine realm. The promise "you may be also" assures believers of their future presence with Christ. This is a profound encouragement, offering hope and comfort that transcends earthly trials, rooted in the assurance of eternal life with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples, offering them comfort and assurance about His departure and return.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' promise, representing all believers who follow Christ.

3. Heaven
Implied as the place Jesus is preparing for His followers, a place of eternal dwelling with God.

4. Second Coming
The event Jesus refers to when He promises to "come again" to receive His followers.

5. Upper Room Discourse
The setting of this teaching, where Jesus shares His final instructions and encouragements with His disciples before His crucifixion.

Teaching Points

Assurance of Christ's Return
Believers can have confidence in Jesus' promise to return, providing hope and motivation for faithful living.

Prepared Place
Jesus' preparation of a place for us signifies His love and commitment, encouraging us to live with an eternal perspective.

Intimacy with Christ
The promise of being with Jesus emphasizes the relational aspect of our faith, inviting us to deepen our relationship with Him now.

Hope in Trials
Understanding that Jesus will come again offers comfort and strength during difficult times, reminding us of the ultimate victory and reunion with Him.

Active Waiting
While we await His return, we are called to live actively in faith, serving others and sharing the Gospel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the promise of Jesus preparing a place for us impact your daily life and priorities?

2. In what ways can the assurance of Christ's return provide comfort during challenging times?

3. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus, knowing that He desires to be with you eternally?

4. What practical steps can you take to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the place Jesus is preparing for you?

5. How can you actively participate in the mission of the Church while waiting for Jesus' return, and what Scriptures support this call to action?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
This passage describes the return of Christ and the gathering of believers, echoing the promise of Jesus coming again to receive His followers.

Revelation 21:2-3
Describes the New Jerusalem, a prepared place where God will dwell with His people, aligning with Jesus' promise of preparing a place.

Acts 1:11
The angels' message about Jesus' return in the same way He ascended, reinforcing the promise of His coming again.

Hebrews 9:28
Speaks of Christ appearing a second time to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him, connecting to the promise of His return.

Matthew 24:30-31
Jesus' teaching on His return with power and glory, gathering His elect, which parallels His promise in John 14:3.