When you've been invited to go on a grand trip, don’t you get excited? I remember when Melissa and I were invited to travel to Rome (2001) and live with good friends for nine days there; boy we couldn't stop talking about the trip to come. I remember the excitement when I’d be invited to stay in large homes or mansions. Albeit not often, the invitation made it even more thrilling. Large homes, great acreage, swimming pools, gaming rooms, and just relaxing how ever you wanted to. You’d think Boy, this is the life.
And then, when you go home, how quickly do you feel discontent with the size of your home? You desire having a home like the one you stayed in and the space to do anything and everything you have ever dreamed of. When this happens, ask yourself, “Do I only get this excited about mansions here on earth?”
The disciples were just told by Jesus that his time on earth would come to an end soon. He would be betrayed and he would be going away, away to place that they could not follow. After being with Jesus as long as they had, this was the only life they wanted. Jesus now tells them that he physically cannot be with them anymore. To them, Jesus was their home, their grand home. But in John 14, Jesus comforts them. “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?” (v. 1,2) Thomas’ response is slightly humorous when he asks, “so how can we know the way” as if they could walk there. (v. 3)
Jesus’ response is Truth: “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.” (v. 6,7)
Do you hear and see what I am seeing? Does this get you excited for the biggest trip of your lives? If we believe in God and if we know Jesus, then we have seen the Father. Furthermore, prepare, get packed, and tell others about your upcoming trip. He has prepared a place for you in His mansion, your own room, in a new grand home. Moreover, the master of the home is not another popular movie star or business entrepreneur. He is the creator of the universe, the creator of you and of me. He is The Famous One.
1“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 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? 3 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. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 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
1 day!
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