JESUS' GOING AND HIS COMING
John 14:3 "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."
In our verse of focus, Jesus continues to reassure the disciples. Three very salient points are brought out in this verse:
1. Jesus' departure and return;
2. His reunion with the disciples; and
3. The taking of the disciples to be with Him.
The first point that the verse makes is of simple, yet profound; prophetic and comforting words.
The words, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again" are stating that Jesus' coming again is dependent on His going to Heaven at that time. In other words, Jesus had to go, to come again. We are confident that He has gone and that He will come again. Added assurance is provided in Acts 1:11, "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."
The Bible, God's unadulterated, pure Word gives us all the evidence that is required. What we do with the information is the deciding factor, as it relates to our eternal future. The second point in the verse of focus speaks to the reunion of Jesus and His followers. Jesus undoubtedly declares that He will come again and receive us unto Himself. Only those who accept and follow Jesus now; in this earthly life, will be accepted by Him when He comes the second time.
Therefore, it is imperative that we allow the Holy Spirit to prepare us now for what will happen then, at Jesus' return.
The final point of our verse, "that where I am, there ye may be also" clinches; seals and climaxes the Christian's experience. Where Jesus is now, in Heaven, we will be. What a promise! We will forever be with our Saviour. The toils; tribulations and turmoil of this life would have ended and the tranquility; serenity and peace that only God can provide will be ours eternally.
Be encouraged to live for Jesus today, so that He will receive us unto Himself, when He returns.