Did Jesus Go to Heaven to Build Us Mansions? 

Many think John 14:2–3 means Jesus is in heaven now building us luxury homes in heaven. What does the Bible say?

 1. “Mansions” is actually a mistranslation.

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places…”

(John 14:2, NASB)

The Greek word (monē) means “room” or “dwelling”—not a mansion.

 2. “My Father’s House” = The Temple, not heaven.

“Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a place of business!”

(John 2:16)

“Did you not know I had to be in My Father’s house?”

(Luke 2:49)

To Jewish ears, this always meant the Temple—not heaven.

3. The hope of the gospel is resurrection, not escape to heaven.

“An hour is coming… all who are in the tombs will hear His voice and come forth…”

(John 5:28–29)

“You will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

(Matt. 19:28)

“You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your forefathers.”

(Ezek. 36:28)

God's promise is a resurrected body, a restored Kingdom, and reign with Jesus on earth.

4. Jesus went to prepare the way through His blood—not build mansions.

“He entered the holy place once for all… having obtained eternal redemption.”

(Heb. 9:12)

He went as our High Priest to establish the New Covenant, not start a construction project in heaven.

5. Jesus is coming back to earth—not just to take us to heaven.

“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself…”

(John 14:3)

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory… then He will sit on His glorious throne.”

(Matt. 25:31)

His return means reign in Jerusalem, not a 7-year stay in heavenly condos.

In conclusion:

Jesus didn’t promise to take us away forever. He promised to return and dwell with us—in His Father’s House—the Messianic Temple, on a renewed earth.

Let Scripture, not the traditions of man, shape our hope. - Joel Richardson