in my father's house are many rooms

Once upon a time Jesus said to his disciples, "I need to go back ro the Father. If i go there i will prepare a place for you", or "in my Father's house there are many rooms". What did Jesus mean by these?

Here is a clear, layered explanation for your meditation and teaching:

1️⃣ The Scriptures You Referenced

You are referring to John 14:1–3:

> “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.

In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (ESV)

2️⃣ What does “Father’s House” mean?

Heaven, the dwelling place of God

Often understood as the heavenly dwelling with God’s presence, where believers will live with Him forever.

In Jewish culture, a father’s house included all family dwellings within the father’s compound; this implies belonging, security, and close family fellowship.

Spiritually, it indicates deep communion with God, not just a physical place.

3️⃣ What are the “many rooms”?

Places of belonging for all believers.

Not about luxury “mansions” but permanent dwelling places in God’s presence.

The “many” indicates there is room for all who trust Christ – an invitation, not exclusion.

4️⃣ “I go to prepare a place for you” – What does this mean?

Jesus is speaking of His death, resurrection, and ascension:

By dying for sin and rising, He opens the way to the Father.

His return to the Father means He is making it possible for believers to enter into the presence of God.

“Prepare a place” does not mean construction work in heaven but preparing the way through His redemptive work.

5️⃣ “I will come again and take you to myself”

This refers to:

Christ’s Second Coming (final gathering of His people).

Also personal reception of believers at death into His presence.

It reassures the disciples of reunion and eternal fellowship with Him.

6️⃣ Why did Jesus say this?

To comfort the disciples, who were troubled about His impending departure.

To assure them of the certainty of eternal life and the ongoing personal relationship with Him.

To encourage faith and hope amid uncertainty and fear.

7️⃣ In summary:

> “In my Father’s house are many rooms” means:

God’s heavenly dwelling has room for all who believe.

Jesus, through His death, resurrection, and ascension, is preparing access for believers to live eternally with Him.

He promises to return and receive believers into this eternal fellowship.

> It is about: ✅ Eternal security.

✅ Personal relationship with Jesus.

✅ Hope beyond death.

✅ The promise of home in God’s presence forever.

In relation with "personal reception into his precence" exactly what (or who) does Jesus receive into God's presence? A soul in an unresurrected bodyless form? Didn't Jesus dub dying as sleep (or entering rest until resurrection)?

Here is a careful, layered clarification to your excellent question:

1️⃣ What exactly does Jesus receive into God’s presence upon death?

When believers die before the resurrection, what Jesus receives is:

The soul/spirit of the believer, which is conscious and personal, yet without the resurrected, glorified body.

The body remains in the grave, awaiting the resurrection at Christ’s return.

Biblical supports:

✅ Ecclesiastes 12:7 – “The dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”

✅ Luke 23:43 – “Today you will be with me in paradise.” (Jesus to the thief on the cross, indicating immediate presence with Him after death.)

✅ 2 Corinthians 5:8 – “To be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

✅ Philippians 1:23 – “I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.”

These verses indicate conscious presence with Christ upon death, even before the body is raised.

2️⃣ Didn’t Jesus (and the Bible) describe death as “sleep”?

Yes, Jesus and the Bible often describe death as “sleep.”

Examples:

✅ John 11:11–14 – Jesus calls Lazarus’s death “sleep,” clarifying that it meant literal death.

✅ 1 Thessalonians 4:13–15 – “those who sleep in Him” refers to believers who have died.

✅ Acts 7:60 – “Stephen fell asleep” means Stephen died.

What does “sleep” mean here?

A metaphor for bodily death, indicating the temporary nature of death for believers.

It does not mean unconsciousness of the soul; it describes the state of the body, which appears to be asleep and will awaken (be resurrected).

“Sleep” is a hopeful term reflecting peaceful waiting for resurrection.

3️⃣ Does the soul “rest” until resurrection, or is it conscious?

Scripture indicates:

The soul rests in Christ, meaning no suffering, fear, or separation from God.

The soul is conscious and in fellowship with Christ while awaiting bodily resurrection.

This is not “soul sleep” (total unconsciousness) but restful, conscious communion with Christ.

4️⃣ At the resurrection:

At Christ’s return: ✅ The soul is reunited with a resurrected, glorified body (1 Corinthians 15:51–54; 1 Thessalonians 4:16).

✅ The fullness of salvation and bodily redemption is completed (Romans 8:23).

✅ The believer then lives forever in a new body in God’s presence on the new earth (Revelation 21–22).

5️⃣ In Revelation’s perspective

Revelation shows:

Souls under the altar (Revelation 6:9–11) – conscious souls of martyrs, awaiting final vindication and resurrection.

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on… they will rest from their labor (Revelation 14:13) – conscious rest in Christ.

Final resurrection and bodily participation occur at the Second Coming (Revelation 20:4–6, 11–15).

✅ Summary:

At death, Jesus receives the believer’s soul/spirit into His presence.

The body “sleeps” in the grave awaiting resurrection.

“Sleep” is a metaphor for bodily death, not unconsciousness of the soul.

The believer rests consciously in Christ until the resurrection.

At Christ’s return, body and soul reunite in glorified resurrection life.

Prayer Meditation:

> “Lord Jesus, thank You for preparing a place for me in Your Father’s house. In life and in death, You are my hope and refuge. I trust You to receive me into Your presence when my time comes, and I look forward to the day when body and soul will reunite in Your glory. Help me live today in light of eternity, loving You and serving others while I wait for the new creation. Amen.”