The second word that's worth highlighting is place. Jesus said that He was going to prepare a "place" for His disciples, including Christians today. That word in the original Greek is topos, which always refers to a specific, literal, physical location. Heaven is not a state of mind. Heaven is not a realm of elevated consciousness. Heaven is not a journey with no final destination.
Heaven is a place. And Jesus' prophetic promise is that He will one day return to take us home.
Reflect
1. Read John 14:1–6 out loud. What specific promises did Jesus make in those verses?
2. As mentioned earlier, Jesus spoke those words on the final night of His earthly ministry — the night before His crucifixion. How does that reality influence your understanding of what Jesus said — including what He promised?
3. Human history began in a specific place (topos) that provided a physical connection with God the Father. Read Genesis 2:8–25 to learn more about life in the garden of Eden. How does that passage shape or influence what you expect to experience in Heaven?
4. Next, take a look at Revelation 21:1–8, which describes the establishment of a "new Heaven" and "new earth." What can we learn from that passage about what Heaven will be like?
Apply
5. It's easy to think of Heaven as an abstract concept — something that is separate from our "real" lives here on earth. What are some ways Heaven can motivate your actions and attitudes today?
6. What are the primary ideas or images that come to mind when you think about Heaven? What do you expect to experience there?
7. How has your understanding of Heaven shifted over time? How does your picture of Heaven today compare with your picture of heaven from earlier in your life?
8. Verse 6 can be difficult for many in our culture to hear:
I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Where do you have an opportunity to take a stand on that truth this week?
Ahead
When reading through John 14:1–6, there's one passage that often makes people feel uncomfortable in today's culture. After Thomas tells Jesus that he and the other disciples don't know the way to where He is going, Jesus reminds them that He is the way to Heaven — and He alone.
In His words,
No one comes to the Father except through Me. — verse 6
You may wonder, Isn't it arrogant for Christians to say that Jesus is the only way? Isn't it arrogant to say that we are correct and all other religions are incorrect?
I understand the emotions behind those questions. We all want to be fair, and we don't want to be seen as haughty or conceited in a culture that values tolerance above almost anything else.
Thankfully, the answer to those questions is a hearty "no." It is not arrogant for a servant to believe the words of his Master. It is not arrogant for a disciple to repeat the words of her Teacher. In the same way, we are not arrogant when we believe and repeat the truths that God has revealed through Scripture.
Therefore, let us never be ashamed to affirm the words of Jesus:
I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. — John 14:3
Heaven is a place — and Jesus' prophetic promise is that He will one day return to take us Home.
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