( John 14 v 2 )
In the cultural norms of the day, this was familiar language.
But we often miss it.
Jesus had just finished telling Peter that he could not follow him to the cross, but there was the part about loving each other
And, that love would be the sign that the world would know that they belonged to Him.
So, how was that to happen?
This love, so strong, so incredible
That it would speak strongly of another relationship - belonging to another
In the Near East in that day, if a man was engaged to be married, maybe to the girl down the street, something had to happen first.
Because they needed somewhere to live
He would go back to his father's house
And extend it
Then, when the extension was finished, to the satisfaction of the father, then the wedding could happen
And the he would come for her
And bring her back to the room he had prepared, especially for her.
Where the marriage would be consummated
And the feast would begin
And the "world" around them would know something was going on.
Because when Jesus speaks of preparing a place for you, for me
In his father's house
He is using wedding language
It is that intimate.
His love for us is that strong