In John chapter 13:33, Jesus had just told His disciples that He is going to a place where the disciples cannot go. It is near the end of His earthly ministry.

Jesus tells them that they had believed God already, now it was time for them to believe Him. He is going to give them some good news about His return.

He indicates that His Father’s house has many mansions. He must leave to make preparation for His bride (the church) to live with Him. In Bible times, it was Jewish custom that the bridegroom make a place ready he and his bride to live, and when it is ready, he will come for her.

Jesus also promises to return to take His Bride away to be with Him in glory. It is definitely a picture of the Rapture. Note that He says that where He is (in Heaven), He will receive us unto Himself.

By way of observation, the Heavenly city (described in Revelation 21) is 1,500 miles square, or 2,250,000 square miles on the first floor. There are 640 square acres in 1 square mile. If each believer received 1 acre with his or her mansion, there is room for 1,440,000,000 lots. If each person received 5 acres, there is still room for 288,000,000 5-acre lots – all on the first floor! And remember – there are 12 floors!

Are you looking for His soon return! What a glorious day it will be for those who have remained faithful to Him – that they receive a full reward (II John 1:8)!