John 14:1-6

Introduction:

1. John 14-16 records Jesus’ farewell address to His disciples just prior to His death.

2. Knowing His death would shake their faith, He worked to secure their hearts.

3. The foundation of this security is His promise to gather His own in the place He was going to prepare for them, constituting our ultimate reason for hope.

Discussion:

I. Our Longing for a Better Place

A. Prior to this address, Jesus gave His disciples disturbing news (John 13:21-28, 33).

B. Struggles cause us to long for something better (Romans 8:18-23; Hebrews 11:13-16).

II. His Promise of a Better Place

A. With the disciples reeling after the dark pronouncement of betrayal, Jesus appealed to their faith to settle their hearts (14:1).

B. Such assurance must be founded on a transcendent reality, something beyond this fallen world (14:2-3; 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:4; Philippians 3:19-21; 1 Peter 1:3-7; 1 John 3:1-3).

C. The sweep of Scripture points to these ends (Genesis 3:15; Romans 16:20; 1 John 3:8).

III. The Nature of the Place Prepared

A. It is open to all who will come on His terms (John 3:16; 14:2, 23; 1 Timothy 2:4-5; 2 Peter 3:9; Matthew 7:21-27; Hebrews 5:9).

B. It is a permanent place (14:3; Matthew 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Hebrews 13:14).

C. It is an attainable place (14:3-6; 2 Timothy 2:10-13; 1 John 5:13).

D. It is a place of joy, peace, and glory beyond our imagination (14:3; 1 Corinthians 15:50, 54-57; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Hebrews 4:9-10; Revelation 21-22).

Conclusion:

1. Volumes could be and have been written on the splendor of heaven.

2. It is the ultimate, full, and final hope of humankind.

3. If we are living in Christ, we have every reason for hope because He has prepared a place for all who love Him, and He will gather all such to Himself for eternity.