² In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. ⁴

Jesus’ coming back (v.3) has been variously interpreted:

• his coming to the disciples following his resurrection (cf. 20:19–29);
• his coming in the person of the Holy Spirit (cf. 14:15–21);
• his second coming at the end of this age (cf. 14:28; 21:22–23; parousia); and
• his ‘coming’ to take his disciples to be with him when they die. (This suggestion, comforting though it is to think of Christ ‘coming’ for us when we die, is not something that receives any support in this passage.)

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