1.  With the Jews rejecting Him and the cross looming before Him, Jesus announces to His disciples that He would be leaving them, a reference to His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.

2.  Jesus establishes a new command, that they love one another as He had loved them (sacrificially, extravagantly).  This love would:

-correct their spirit of rivalry

-help them survive a world hostile to the gospel and them

-be a testimony to the world

3.  The disciples were troubled by Jesus’ announcement that He was leaving them so He assures them that He would be returning for them at a future time (the rapture).  “…the guarantee is unmistakeable.  His return is as certain as His departure” (Merrill C. Tenney).

4.  He would, in fact, be preparing an eternal dwelling for them. “By His death and ascension and glorification He was opening a way of access to the Father, and to the bliss of His abode.” (Wm. Erdman)

5.  The only way to God the Father and to salvation in Him is through Jesus Christ the Son.  Jesus is only one way to God the Father.  He is not one of many ways, nor are there many ways to God, only one, Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5).