This is just the opposite of what Jesus told his apostles at the Last Supper. He also told them that he would be with them a little while longer, but that he was going to prepare a place for them so that where he was, they also would be.
So, what was the difference between these two groups? The chief priests and the Pharisees refused to believe in him and plotted against him, but the apostles had remained faithful for the three years they had followed him in spite of challenges from others.
Yes, they had seen the signs and wonders that he had performed, but so had the Pharisees. The Pharisees were jealous that the people were beginning to think of Jesus as the Messiah. The apostles were excited to believe that Jesus was the Messiah.
We are given the opportunity to know of Jesus and the wonders and signs that he had performed during his life on earth. We also have heard of the wonders that have been performed in our lifetime in Jesus' name through the power of prayer.
Why it is that some will choose not to believe and some will? We can't answer for others, only for ourselves. We can answer as to why we believe.
Some of those to whom I've spoken, say they don't believe in Jesus and they don't believe in a god because of all the evil in the world, especially the evil that has been done in the name of God. There are also those who don't believe in an afterlife so don't find belief in any god important. There are others who reject Jesus for the same reasons as the chief priests and the Pharisees; because it can lead people to fight for justice when they want to be the powerful voice that is listened to.
We need to choose. Do we want this passage to apply to us, or do we want Jesus to be preparing a place for us among the apostles and the saints?
