Did Jesus have the New Jerusalem in mind in John 14 when He promised to prepare a place?
The context does not definitively say Jesus had the New Jerusalem in mind. It expresses uncertainty about that specific connection, yet affirms that God has a glorious eternal abode prepared for believers, ready to come down, and beyond human comprehension. This place is for all eternity.
Les explains that John saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. He notes that people often go back to John 14, where Jesus told the twelve—or perhaps the eleven, if Judas had already left—that He was going to prepare a place for them. Les says he does not know whether Jesus specifically had the New Jerusalem in mind, but whether He did or not, God has a glorious abode prepared for believers to enjoy for all eternity, and it is ready to come down. In fact, Les adds, God has a thousand years to work on it if He needs that much time, and it is beyond human comprehension. The glorious part, as verse 3 states, is that the tabernacle of God is with men.
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
See the restAnd I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
More Questions
Is the place God is preparing ready to come down?
Regardless of whether John 14 refers to the New Jerusalem, God has a glorious eternal home in preparation, and it is ready to come down.
Is the New Jerusalem the place Jesus was preparing for us?
Whether or not the place Jesus said He was preparing in John 14 is specifically the New Jerusalem, God definitely has a glorious abode in preparation for believers to enjoy for all eternity.