23 The Upper Room Discourse: Jesus’ Final Teaching (John 13-17)

by Krisan Marotta | Apr 2, 2025 | 01 Podcasts, John

23 The Upper Room Discourse: Jesus Final Teaching | WednesdayintheWord.com

The Upper Room Discourse: Jesus’ Final Teaching (John 13-17)

The Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17) records Jesus’ final teaching to his disciples on the night of his arrest. Jesus explains 5 key themes as he prepare his disciples for what lies ahead.

5 Key Themes in the Upper Room Discourse

Jesus is leaving but he is coming back and all will end well.
Jesus is sending these 11 men as apostles to continue his mission in the world. The world will hate and persecute the apostles, but they will succeed.
The apostles will succeed because they are not alone. The Holy Spirit will ensure the accuracy and impact of their ministry.
All believers are called to persevere in faith and love one another as Jesus loved them.
We can have confidence that Jesus will keep and preserve us.

Jesus’ Departure and Return

Jesus opens the discourse by preparing his disciples for his departure, a reference to his upcoming crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. Though this news initially troubles them, he counters their fears with the promise of his return, assuring them of he will fulfill all his promises. This hope sustains believers today, encouraging us to look forward to Christ’s ultimate victory.

Sending the Apostles

Jesus appoints his now 11 disciples as “apostles,” entrusting them with representing him in a hostile world. They are to proclaim his teachings and deeds, a mission that will face opposition but succeed. This underscores the foundational role of their testimony in spreading the gospel.

Promise of the Holy Spirit

To equip the apostles, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit as their teacher and guide, ensuring they accurately convey his message. The Spirit’s role extends to all believers, equipping us with wisdom and power to live faithfully. This promise ensures the ongoing presence of divine help.

More: Who is the Holy Spirit?

Perseverance in Faith

Using the vivid image of a vine and its branches, Jesus teaches that preserving in faith is necessary to receive eternal life. Like branches drawing sustenance from the vine, believers must remain rooted in him, a call to enduring faith amid trials.

Love One Another

Jesus issues a new commandment: to love one another as he has loved them. The “newness” of the command is that disciples of Jesus will love each other, rather than mock or persecute each other. This isn’t a casual affection but a sacrificial, active love, exemplified by his own life and death.

More: Fruit of the Spirit

Jesus’ Sustaining Love

Throughout the discourse, Jesus comforts his disciples with promises of his unchanging love and the Father’s care. In his final prayer, he asks God to protect and sanctify them, a reassurance that extends to all believers, affirming our security in God’s hands until Jesus returns.

Key Takeaways

Jesus is leaving but will return, and the end will be glorious.
The disciples are sent as apostles to represent Jesus in the world.
The world will hate and persecute the apostles, but they will succeed with the Holy Spirit’s help.
The Holy Spirit will teach, remind, and guide the apostles in their ministry.
All believers are called to persevere in faith and love one another as Jesus loved them.
Jesus assures believers of his sustaining love and promises to keep them until his return.