TODAY’S DAILY BIBLE VERSE

John chapter 14 verses 1 through 3:

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

VERSE CONTEXT

John chapter 14 takes place during one of the most intimate and emotionally charged moments in Jesus’ earthly ministry: the final hours before His crucifixion. The author, the Apostle John—one of the twelve disciples and often referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”—recorded this Gospel account near the end of the first century A.D. John’s purpose in writing this Gospel was to present Jesus as the eternal Son of God, and to strengthen the faith of believers by offering a deeply theological but also relational portrait of Christ.

In chapter 13, Jesus had just washed the disciples’ feet, revealed that one among them (Judas Iscariot) would betray Him, foretold Peter’s denial, and spoke of His soon departure. These were shocking revelations. The disciples had walked with Jesus for over three years, left their families and occupations, and devoted themselves to Him as the Messiah. Now, He was talking about leaving them—and worse, dying. Their hearts were understandably shaken.

It’s in this context of fear, confusion, and sorrow that we hear the red-letter words of Jesus in John chapter 14 verses 1 through 3. These words were not spoken to the crowds, nor to the Pharisees, but to His closest followers in a private setting—the Upper Room—just hours before His arrest. It’s the equivalent of a dying parent giving comforting words to their children: words meant to stabilize their hearts and refocus their eyes on eternal truth.

Jesus begins with “Let not your heart be troubled”—a direct appeal to the emotions. The Greek word behind “troubled” here is tarassō, meaning to be agitated, stirred, or deeply unsettled. This is not mild anxiety—it is deep, soul-level disturbance. Jesus tells them to resist this inner upheaval. But notice that He doesn’t tell them to deny their emotions—He gives them a reason for peace: “Ye believe in God, believe also in me.” In other words, the same trust they placed in God the Father should now be placed in Him, Jesus the Son. This is a strong claim to divinity and an invitation to anchor their faith in Him, even as He prepares to depart.

Then comes verse 2: “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” The word translated “mansions” in the King James Version is from the Greek monē, which means dwelling places or abiding rooms. In modern language, it does not necessarily imply a massive estate, but rather permanent, prepared places to dwell in the presence of God. These aren’t temporary shelters; they are eternal residences in the Father’s “house,” a term that implies nearness, relationship, and belonging.

When Jesus says, “If it were not so, I would have told you,” He’s appealing to His reliability. He has never misled them; if heaven were a lie, He would have exposed it. The implication is: You can trust Me on this—I tell you only the truth. And then He says something deeply personal and active: “I go to prepare a place for you.” This phrase is loaded with imagery. In ancient Jewish custom, a bridegroom would go to prepare a room or addition on his father’s house for his bride, then return at an unknown hour to bring her home. Jesus is casting Himself in that exact role—the Bridegroom preparing a place for His Bride, the Church.

Finally, verse 3 delivers the great promise: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.” This is not a symbolic return; it is a literal, personal coming again of Christ—what believers commonly understand as the Second Coming or the Rapture, depending on one’s eschatological position. He says plainly, I will come again. Not an angel. Not a representative. Jesus Himself. And why? “That where I am, there ye may be also.” The end goal is not just heaven, but being with Jesus. The reward is not merely a place—it is a Person.

Commentator Matthew Henry (1662–1714, Presbyterian) noted that this passage is a balm for troubled souls, offering hope and certainty:

“Christ’s departure should not be their sorrow but their joy, for He was going to prepare a place for them; and He would return again to bring them there Himself.”

J.C. Ryle (1816–1900, Anglican Evangelical) added:

“The object of Christ’s second advent is not to terrify His people but to receive them to Himself, to welcome them into His presence forever.”

This three-verse section is an unshakable promise: Jesus knows our fears, promises eternal comfort, and guarantees His personal return to bring us into everlasting fellowship with Him.

BROADER CONTEXT

To fully understand the power of John chapter 14 verses 1 through 3, we have to recognize where we are in the flow of the Gospel of John and the larger purpose of Jesus’ earthly ministry. These verses are situated in the heart of what’s known as the Upper Room Discourse, which spans John chapters 13 through 17. This five-chapter section is the most extended collection of private teachings and prayers from Jesus, directed solely to His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion.

Chapter 13 begins with Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, which models humility and servant leadership. Then, during the Passover meal, Jesus speaks of betrayal, departure, and denial. The weight of this moment would have been crushing to the disciples, who still did not fully grasp what was coming. That emotional and spiritual turmoil sets the stage for John chapter 14.

Chapter 14 is Jesus’ antidote to despair. It is filled with reassurance, clarity, and eternal promises. While the disciples were confused about Jesus’ departure, He makes clear that His going away is not abandonment—it is preparation. This chapter introduces several key themes:

• The certainty of heaven (verses 1–3)
• The exclusivity of Christ as the way to the Father (verse 6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”)
• The union between the Father and the Son (verses 7–11)
• The coming of the Holy Ghost (Comforter) (verses 16–17, 26)
• The promise of peace (verse 27: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.”)

So when Jesus says in verse 3, “I will come again,” this is not just a passing phrase—it is the forward-looking anchor of everything He is telling them. Though He is leaving, He is not gone forever. Though they will grieve, they will rejoice again. Though there is a cross ahead, there is also a crown.

Now let’s zoom out even further to the Gospel of John as a whole. John’s Gospel is unique. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the Synoptics) emphasize Jesus’ earthly ministry, teachings, and parables, John emphasizes Jesus’ divine identity. John begins not with a manger or genealogy, but with a cosmic declaration:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John chapter 1 verse 1)

John’s stated purpose appears near the end of the book:

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John chapter 20 verse 31)

Everything in John, including chapter 14, is crafted to reveal Jesus as the divine Savior and call the reader to believe in Him. Chapter 14 sits at the core of this purpose. It reassures believers that faith in Jesus is not wasted, even when life becomes chaotic. He is not just the Savior for the here and now—He is the eternal Bridegroom preparing His people for everlasting life.

From a theological standpoint, John chapter 14 verses 1 through 3 also tie directly into eschatology, or the doctrine of last things. Jesus promises to return—a concept echoed in other passages, such as:

• Acts chapter 1 verse 11: “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
• First Thessalonians chapter 4 verse 16: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout…”
• Revelation chapter 21 verse 3: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them…”

The promise in John 14:3—that Jesus will come again and receive us unto Himself—places His second coming not just in the realm of judgment or apocalypse, but in the context of love, union, and comfort. He is not coming merely to reign or rule—He is coming to bring His people home.

Commentator Arthur W. Pink (1886–1952, Reformed Baptist) emphasized the intimate nature of this promise:

“The heart of the believer finds its deepest joy in the assurance that he shall be forever with the Lord. Heaven is heaven because He is there.”

That’s the core of the chapter’s message—and the Gospel itself. The Christian’s hope is not just an escape from sorrow, but a reunion with Christ. In that light, John chapter 14 verses 1 through 3 are not just hopeful—they are foundational.

APPLICATION

Appreciating God’s Greatness

What shines through most in this passage is the tender, personal care of Jesus Christ. He is not a distant ruler issuing commands—He is a loving Savior calming His followers in the storm. In the face of betrayal, denial, and imminent death, Jesus doesn’t focus on Himself. He focuses on comforting His disciples.

This reveals the immeasurable compassion and forethought of our God. He knows our fears before we speak them. He sees the sorrow we carry, and He meets it with promises—not vague hopes, but clear declarations: “I go,” “I prepare,” “I will come again,” “I will receive you.” Every verb is active, intentional, and future-facing. That’s divine greatness—not only in sovereignty, but in tenderness. God’s greatness is not just seen in His power to prepare heaven, but in His desire to bring us there to be with Him.

This also displays God’s faithfulness. Jesus does not say, “Maybe I will come again.” He says with certainty, “I will come again.” That is not wishful thinking—it is a covenant promise rooted in His eternal nature. The greatness of God is seen in the unshakable reliability of Christ’s word.

For the Believer

For those who belong to Christ, this passage is a spiritual anchor in a world filled with uncertainty. Like the disciples, we often don’t understand what God is doing. We face moments of fear, confusion, and loss. But Jesus tells us, “Let not your heart be troubled.” That is not a platitude—it is a command, one grounded in a person: “Believe in Me.”

This teaches us that faith in Christ is the antidote to heart trouble. Not because it removes hardship, but because it shifts our focus from the temporary to the eternal. Jesus doesn’t say we won’t feel distress. He says our hearts don’t have to remain in that place—because there is something better coming. And that something is not a vague idea of paradise. It is a prepared place with a personal Savior.

The “many mansions” remind us that heaven is not overcrowded, and that no one slips in by accident. Each room is prepared—not generically, but purposefully. Jesus is preparing it for you, believer. That’s how specific His love is.

His promise to return is not just doctrine—it is fuel for endurance. We don’t give up. We don’t give in. We press on, because our Savior is coming back for us personally.

Call to Action (Believer)

1. Preach this promise to your own heart when trials come. When your heart is troubled, remind yourself: “Jesus has gone to prepare a place for me. He is coming back. I am not abandoned.”
2. Fix your focus on eternity. Let this truth change the way you live today. If Jesus is preparing your eternal home, don’t get too comfortable in this temporary one.
3. Encourage other believers with this same hope. Just as Jesus comforted His disciples, so too should we comfort one another with His promises (see First Thessalonians chapter 4 verse 18: “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”)

For the Unbeliever

If you are not yet a follower of Jesus, this passage still speaks to you—but as an invitation. Jesus is preparing a place—but only for those who belong to Him. He said clearly in John chapter 14 verse 6, just three verses later:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

This means you cannot arrive at heaven by religion, good deeds, or personal merit. The way to the Father is through the Son. The same Jesus who promised to come again is the Jesus who gave His life on the cross to pay for sin—and rose again in victory. That offer still stands. But the door is not open forever.

To remain outside of Christ is to remain outside the Father’s house.

The invitation is this: Believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Trust in His finished work on the cross. Surrender your troubled heart to Him. He will not only give you peace now—He will secure your eternity.

If you come to Him in repentance and faith, this promise becomes your promise. These “many mansions” aren’t just words in a book—they become your eternal home, prepared by the Son of God Himself.

FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT

John chapter 14 verses 1 through 3 is not just a comfort for the dying—it is strength for the living. In three short verses, Jesus speaks directly to our fears, our future, and our forever. He doesn’t offer religion or ritual—He offers Himself. That’s the heart of the Gospel. Not just forgiveness. Not just heaven. Jesus.

He sees the troubled heart. He knows the weight we carry. And He says with unmatched authority: “Let not your heart be troubled.” Why? Because we are not abandoned, not forgotten, not wandering without a home. The Son of God, on the night of His betrayal, told His followers—and tells us today—that He is preparing a place, planning a return, and promising a reunion.

We don’t cling to a vague hope. We cling to a Living Savior who has proven He keeps His word. He left to prepare. He will return to gather. And we, by grace through faith, will dwell with Him forever.

So take heart, believer. Let today’s burdens be weighed against eternity’s promise. Let your eyes lift toward the horizon, for the sky will split one day, and the same Jesus who ascended will descend—not to judge His own, but to bring them home.

And to the one still seeking: there is room in the Father’s house for you. But that room must be entered through Jesus Christ alone. He invites you. He has made a way. And He says, “Where I am, there ye may be also.”

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You are loved, so much in fact that we want you to know and be Believers of Biblical Truth.