Hospitality Defined: Practical Love in Service to GodSample

The Heavenly Hospitality of Jesus

I go to prepare a place for you. (v. 2)

When someone I love comes to my house to stay, I get to work! I dust and vacuum the spare bedroom and make sure clean linens are on the bed. I set out clean towels and stock my guest’s favorite foods in the kitchen. I tell my guest to “make yourself at home”—and I mean it! I want them to enjoy their stay at my house.

If we go to such trouble for our guests, can we even begin to imagine what Jesus means when he says, “I go to prepare a place for you” (v. 2)? These comforting words in John 14 were spoken by Jesus during his final evening with his disciples, even as he was preparing for what was ahead—his death, burial, and resurrection. In his Father’s heavenly house, he told us, there are many dwelling places—a place for each of us. As Jesus returns to his Father, he himself will be preparing heaven for us. How personal this is! Whatever glorious things we may anticipate heaven to be, Jesus reminded us of the very best part: “that where I am you may be also” (v. 3).

There is exclusivity to this promise; Jesus alone is “the way, and the truth, and the life,” and no one can come to the Father except through him (v. 6). But those who do believe and trust in him can look forward to enjoying Christ’s hospitality throughout eternity!

As you pray, thank Jesus for the place he is preparing for you.