In this episode of the Wednesday in the Word podcast, we tackle the Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17) where Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure. Jesus addresses both the unique role of his apostles and the universal call for all his followers to live faithfully in his absence.

In this week’s episode, we explore:

• Jesus’ Departure and Return: Jesus announces his leaving but reassures his disciples of his eventual return, offering hope through the promise of his second coming.
• Commissioning of the Apostles: Jesus explains to his apostles their mission and the challenges they will face.
• The Role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promises he will not leave them alone. He will send the “Spirit of Truth” to eguip and guide them in their ministry.
• Ethical Teachings for Believers: Jesus gives a new commandment to love one another, modeled after his own sacrificial love and service.
• Perseverance in Faith: Jesus explains the importance of persevering in faith while he’s gone.
• Assurance of God’s Protection: Jesus’ prays for his disciples and all future believers, promising that they will be preserved and protected by God.

By listening, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Upper Room Discourse’s historical context and its profound implications for Christian life today. You’ll understand what applies uniquely to the apostles and what extends to all followers of Jesus. You’ll also discover practical insights into living out Jesus’ teachings on love, perseverance, and faith in a world where he is no longer physically present. This episode not only enriches your knowledge of the Gospel of John but also offers encouragement through the assurance that, though Jesus has left, his Spirit remains with us, and he will one day return.

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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

1. Jesus is leaving but he is coming back and all will end well.
2. 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.
3. The apostles will succeed because they are not alone. The Holy Spirit will ensure the accuracy and impact of their ministry.
4. All believers are called to persevere in faith and love one another as Jesus loved them.
5. 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.

Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.

Next: 24 Why Believe? Themes from the Gospel of John’s Final Chapters

Previous: 22 Mary Anoints Jesus and the Triumphal Entry Explained (John 12)

Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find Life

Study: Gospel of John Bible Study Resources

Photo by Amy Tran on Unsplash

Podcast season 25, episode 23