Have you heard those jokes about people entering heaven and being taken to a house based on how good they were on earth? I'm guessing this is where the idea comes from. On the surface, this seems like such a wonderful afterlife. Heaven is a bigger version of the Hamptons with mansions for everyone. While that sounds awesome, I think that scenario would be a let down. Now don't get me wrong. I would love to live in a mansion, but I believe we're thinking too small. If heaven is supposed to be this utterly spectacular place, how can it possibly be compared to even the best housing communities on earth? I believe that heaven is greater than we can comprehend. Think about it like this: What if an Ice Age guy accustomed to the hunter-gatherer lifestyle could be transported to a modern day beach resort? He shouldn't be surprised by the warmer weather and abundance of food. He'd be impressed by the better living conditions like a nice bed and indoor plumbing. But he would never be able to predict things we consider old technology, such as cable TV or the internet. And that's not even getting to the wonders of a beach resort's premium relaxation package complete with full body massage. But as great as the the jump in quality of life that Mr. Caveman experienced, I think it will pale in comparison to a heavenly advancement.
There is another train of thought regarding this passage. The idea is that the whole concept is a translation mix up. A very basic explanation is that “My Father's house” may be better translated from Greek as “My Father's household or family.” Instead of the heavenly mansions being housing for the afterlife, Jesus may be talking about people joining God's family right now (a.k.a. becoming a Christian). In which case, if you're waiting to die to get in your mansion, you'll be too late.
If you invent time-traveling massage therapy:
If you invent time-traveling massage therapy:
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