My Father’s house ∙∙

My Father’s house ∙∙

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. – John 14:2

John 14:1-6

1 Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you so that you will always be with me where I am.
4 And you know the way to where I am going.

5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

Longing for Home

Antonin Dvořák, the celebrated Czech composer, found powerful inspiration during his visit to America in the late 19th century. Out of that experience, he crafted one of his most renowned masterpieces, Symphony No. 9, widely known as the New World Symphony. One of the most moving parts of this composition is the hauntingly beautiful Largo, where the English horn conveys deep longing. This poignant melody reflects Dvořák’s own homesickness and yearning for the familiar comforts of home. Dvořák captured the deep sense of nostalgia and the human soul’s profound “longing for home.”

The beauty of this symphony touched President Ronald Reagan so much that he made a heartfelt request for it to be played at his funeral. Honoring his wish, the New World Symphony rang out as a solemn tribute to the memory of the esteemed President, echoing across the ceremony.

A Promise of Hospitality

This longing for home is not unique. It mirrors one of the deepest desires of the human heart. Even the Lord Jesus Christ, as He faced the cross, anticipated and longed for His return home to His Father. Yet, His love for His disciples was so great that He turned His focus to them, revealing an extraordinary truth—His home would one day become their home. He shared that His Father’s house was vast and filled with room for every child of the King. They were all invited! He was going ahead to prepare a place, promising to return and bring them there to dwell with Him forever.

William Barclay beautifully explained this promise, noting that “An earthly house becomes overcrowded; an earthly inn must sometimes turn away the weary traveler because its space is exhausted. But it is not so with our Father’s house, for heaven is as wide as the heart of God, and there is room for all.” The Lord Jesus Christ reassured His disciples and us with these words. Though the world may shut its doors and reject us, the Father’s house will always be open. “Do not be afraid,” He told them. “I go to prepare a place for you.” His promises overflow with tender love and assurance—they would forever have a home with Him.

Comfort for the Hurting

For those of us who understand the joy of a loving home, the thought of heaven as the Father’s eternal dwelling is deeply comforting. For others whose earthly homes may have been painful or unwelcoming, the promise of God’s perfect, welcoming home holds even greater hope and wonder. Imagine the overwhelming joy of being embraced by your Father, not as a visitor, but as His child. His home will become your home. We will bask in His loyal love, enjoying His company forever.

A Glorious Homecoming Awaits

One day, each of us will step into eternity and experience the life to come. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself is preparing this place, uniquely and lovingly, for us. When that moment comes, we’ll be welcomed into the Father’s house—a home without limits, filled with warmth, joy, and the eternal presence of our Savior. There, we will dwell in His love forever.

REFLECT & PRAY

What a fantastic thought. Each child of the King will have their own special place, lovingly prepared in the Father’s house.

Father, thank You for having such a big heart and welcoming me into Your Forever Family. Being in Your presence promises pleasures forevermore. I can hardly wait to experience it.

INSIGHT

The Disciples’ Confusion

The disciples, even after walking with Jesus for over three years, were grappling with confusion and uncertainty. They struggled to understand where the Lord was going. Their lack of comprehension came to a head when Thomas asked a question that many of us relate to in moments of doubt.

John 14:5 – “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

This question arose out of genuine bewilderment. Jesus had told them repeatedly that He was returning to the One who sent Him, but the disciples struggled to grasp this truth. He said, “I will be with you a little while longer, and then I am going to him who sent me” (John 7:33). Yet, they could not reconcile His words with the coming reality of the cross.

William Barclay explains, “At this moment, the disciples were bewildered men. There was one among them who could never say that he understood what he did not understand, and that was Thomas. He was far too honest and far too much in earnest to be satisfied with any vague, pious expressions. Thomas had to be sure. So, he expressed his doubts and his failure to understand, and the wonderful thing is that it was the question of a doubting man that provoked one of the greatest things Jesus ever said. No one need be ashamed of having doubts, for it is amazingly and blessedly true that those who seek will, in the end, find.”

Takeaway: Never be ashamed of your doubts, confusion, or nagging questions. Like Thomas, your honest questions can lead to life-changing answers.

A Promise of Certainty

Jesus’ words carried assurance. He promised to prepare a place for His disciples, and this wasn’t an empty declaration—it was a certainty. Faith in Him would be their key to security, no matter how overwhelming their fears might seem (Tenney).

John 14:2-3 “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

What makes this promise so extraordinary? The glory of that place isn’t only in its splendor—it’s in the presence of Christ Himself. “Christ’s presence would make the place glorious. Eternal companionship with Him is the expectation of the saved” (Tenney).

Imagine stepping into the eternal dwelling He’s lovingly and uniquely prepared just for you—welcomed, loved, and never turned away. What an incredible homecoming that will be!

Lean into the security of this truth. He has gone ahead to prepare your eternal place and one day; you’ll join Him there. Forever welcomed. Forever home.

Going home – Bill Gaither

Many times in my childhood when we’ve traveled so far
By nightfall how weary I’d grown
Father’s arms would slip around me and gently he’d say
My child we’re going home

Going home, I’m going home
There is nothing to hold me here
I’ve caught a glimpse of that Heavenly land
Praise God, I’m going home

Now the twilight is fading, the day soon shall end
Lord, I get homesick, the farther I roam
But the Father has led me each step of the way
And now I’m going home

Going home, I’m going home
There is nothing to hold me here
I’ve caught a glimpse of that Heavenly land
Praise God, I’m going home

¯_(ツ)_/¯7-29-3

© Dr. H 2025