11: Bet Av

Let not your hearts be troubled. 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 go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

JOHN 14:1-3

I STOOD BESIDE THE TOUR BUS and looked out at the Judean wilderness; we were about fifty miles southeast of Jerusalem and twelve miles north of Masada. It was hot and still, and all I could see was a rocky desert interspersed with many ravines. So much history was embedded in this place.

My musings about this history were interrupted by our guide saying, “Time to get back; we are heading home!”

What a welcome word: home. I wondered how many travelers had lost their lives journeying through this place on their way home.

I climbed the steps into the bus and took one last look back, and as I did, John 14:1-3 went through my mind: My Father’s house —a place is being prepared for me there.

Jewish scholars talk about the house of the father; in Hebrew it’s called Bet Av. When Jesus spoke the words of John 14, He’s referring to Bet Av as it related to Jewish wedding customs. In that day, a prospective groom would build a room onto his father’s house as a dwelling for himself and his future bride. Jesus’ disciples would have immediately understood what Jesus was talking about in this passage. They had certainly watched many groomsmen diligently and excitedly building homes for their brides.

What an amazing picture this is of our future home and of God our Father. Here are some points about Bet Av:

• Bet Av is a picture of a Jewish father providing a place for his family under his care and protection.
• God longs for all of us to come to His house and know His love and care.
• To lose your Bet Av is to lose everything. The parable of the Prodigal Son is about the son returning in shame to his Bet Av. We know that the father lovingly and graciously received him.
• Bet Av is connected to redemption —bringing a family member home. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father would do everything to bring his child to safety and security.
• Jesus has provided a way for us to be born into our eternal Bet Av.

Jesus, the Bridegroom, is absolutely and intently preparing a Bet Av in His Father’s house for you, His bride. Be encouraged and know that you’re deeply loved and accepted by the Father. Your Bet Av is waiting.

Questions

1. Reflect on John 14:1-3. What stands out to you?
2. Bet Av is very personal. Every Jewish father took great pride in establishing a home for his family. What does your Bet Av mean to your family?
3. What family values do you want to instill in your children and grandchildren that would connect to the concept of Bet Av?