Jesus begins with a command to his disciples: “do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1a). Given the context, this was an extremely difficult command for the disciples to obey because Jesus had just told his disciples he would die soon (his glorification (John 13:31) is his crucifixion in John (12:23-28, 32-33)). Thus, Jesus knows he needs to help his disciples obey. That is why, in John 14:2-3, Jesus explains his love for them by comparing his relationship with them to a betrothal.

In Jesus’ time, the future groom paid the bridal price and then returned to his father’s house to prepare a home for him and his bride. Meanwhile, the bride stayed with her parents and waited for her groom to whisk her away to their new home. Then, suddenly, the groom would come like a thief in the night with his groomsmen to "steal" his bride and consummate their relationship. In John 14:2-3, Jesus puts himself in the groom’s role and his disciples in the bride’s role.

Obviously, Jesus' comforting metaphor would only have helped the disciples if they believed that he would rise from the dead, ascend to the Father, and return to them (John 14:1b). However, if they did, it had the power not just to comfort them, but to transform their lives because the bridal price Jesus was willing to pay to be with them was his life; Jesus was willing to experience the whole wrath of El Shaddai against all the evil and injustice of history to be with them. "After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied" (Isaiah 53:11).

This Christmas, remember that you are absolutely precious to Jesus and rejoice! For He is preparing us a place!