Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 14

Furthermore, the other disciples must have been equally perturbed, for Jesus added, “Do not let your [plural] hearts be troubled.” The way in which Jesus phrases this implies that they should “stop being troubled” (i.e., they should set their hearts at ease). He then urged them to maintain both their trust in God and in himself. Their uncertainty and discouragement had weakened them, and he wanted to strengthen them against complete collapse in the imminent tragedy.

In spite of the threatening circumstances, Jesus spoke with calm assurance of the divine provision for them and took for granted that they would have a place in the eternal world. Jesus never speculated about a future life; he spoke as one who was as familiar with eternity as one is with his hometown. The imagery of a dwelling place (“rooms”) is taken from the oriental house in which the sons and daughters have apartments under the same roof as their parents. The purpose of his departure was to make ready the place where he could welcome them permanently. Certainly he would not go to prepare a room for his friends unless he expected that they would also eventually arrive.

“I will come back” is one of the few allusions in this gospel to Jesus’ return. He was not speaking of a general resurrection but of his personal concern for his own disciples. Though he did not elaborate on the promise, the guarantee is unmistakable. His return is as certain as his departure, and he would take them with him to his Father’s house.

Verses 1–4 not only contain Jesus’ answer to Peter’s question but also indicate Jesus’ attempt to return to the theme of the discourse he had first begun. He assumed that they knew the way to their destination; all they would need to do would be to follow the road. His sheep would follow him and find “the house of the LORD” at the end of their journey (Psalms 23:6).

Thomas’s abrupt question, like Peter’s questions (13:6, 36–37), was characteristic of its proponent. Thomas was utterly honest, pessimistic, and uninhibited. He did not suppress his feelings but voiced his despair (cf. 11:16). He was confused by life and felt that its riddles were unsolvable. But he was not ready to accept a state of permanent bewilderment.