Prepare A Place // John 14:1-7, 18

A message by Pastor Mark Jordan

John 14:1-7, 18 (NIV) | 1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” … 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Take-Aways

  • Jesus said He went to prepare a place for us (prepare can mean physically readying the home, as well as Jesus scouting out the best fit based on past experiences, present needs, and future promises.)
  • The BIG Idea is so we can with Jesus
  • Jesus was a carpenter so we can trust Him
  • We are to make a place for all

A Place…

  • For Family (a place to be yourself, play, rest, etc)
  • For Meals (meals help us connect and represent reconciliation)
  • For Guests (hospitality in the middle eastern culture was, and is, about making room for the stranger and helping them connect)
  • For Cleansing (inside and out)
  • For Stuff (to organize, store, and distribute things)
  • A place that’s ALL for YOU! (Dreamed of and designed specifically for you)

THANK YOU, church, for helping my family make a place for an orphan turned daughter!
~ Pastor Mark

Reflection Questions

  1. Why was Jesus encouraging His disciples to not let their hearts be troubled?
  2. What kind of place was Jesus going to prepare?
  3. Think about the rooms in your home. What rooms get the most attention versus the ones that get less?
  4. Do you allow Jesus who has experience as a carpenter to do the remodeling work necessary for your life?
  5. Who do you know needs to experience the gathering love of God?