John 14:1-15

In his book, “The Ultimate Gift,” Jim Stovall demonstrates the “ultimate gift” with a young boy, Jason Stevens who is spoiled rotten by the wealth in which he has grown up with all his life.  Now in his mid-20’’s, he has never had to work a day in his life.  In one of the scenes, his grandfather has passed away and the family has gathered for the reading of the will.  All are disappointed in what the grandfather has left to each of them, including this young spoiled-rotten boy, the grandfather’s grandson.  

It turns out that the now deceased grandfather wants his grandson, Jason to go through a series of tests – or events before he receives his inheritance.  The boy takes on the challenge.  He is forced to work, becomes homeless, develops relationships with a woman and her daughter, and learns to value what is most important in life – Caring for others before caring for himself.  Ultimately, what is the relationship between wealth and happiness?

In John 14:1-15, Jesus tries to explain to the disciples about where He is going and that He will prepare a place for them as well.  They don’t understand and I’m not sure that I really understand either.  It’s beyond anything that we can imagine.  In verse 15, Jesus tells them, “If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”  Of course, that doesn’t mean that we can ask for a new car and Jesus will give it to us.   So, what does Jesus mean?

In God’s house, there are many “dwelling places” (v.2).  In God’s house, Jesus will prepare a “dwelling” place for each one of us.  A dwelling place – a place where we will have the opportunity to “dwell” with God forever in the life to come!  Jesus wants us to want to dwell with God forever!  We can ask for that opportunity and He will give it to us!

Jesus is the Ultimate Gift!  Because of His death and resurrection, we will do greater works than these (v.12) – healing, feeding, and loving others.  We will glorify God in every circumstance and situation we are faced with in our lives because of our love for Jesus!

Jason does end up doing greater works than these. He takes 100’s of 1000’s of dollars to build a hospital that accommodates children with cancer and their single moms. Jason puts the needs of others before his own needs. He used his wealth to begin to change the world!

We too are called to change the world and to receive the “Ultimate Gift”!Through Jesus Christ, we will “dwell” with God forever in our life to come!