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John 14:22-24

Joh 14:22 Judas (not Iscariot) says to him, “Lord, what also has happened that you’re going to reveal yourself to us and not to the world? ”

Joh 14:23 Jesus answered, and said to him “If someone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make a room to stay near him.

Joh 14:24 “The one who doesn’t love me will not keep my words. The word that you hear is not mine but is my sender Father’s.

About those mansions

Judas’ question was specific. He wanted to know what had happened (γίνομαι) that resulted in the Father and Son revealing themselves only to them (the disciples) and not the world. He and the others had expected that they were on the verge of the eschaton – the final culmination of God’s plan.

Jesus’ answer revealed that the eschaton was not about to happen. Instead, the age of gospel proclamation was to intervene. During this age, the father and Son will come spiritually and make a room to stay near those who love Christ, and keep his his word. Notice that Jesus uses the same word (μονή) that he had used in verse 2. This does not mean he is talking about the same event. Verse 2 referred to our permanent residence with God after the return of Christ. Verse 23 referred to God’s permanent residence with us today, through his Holy Spirit.

The bad news is that we are not going to live with God in glorious mansions when we die. The good news is that he can come to live with us while we are still alive.