Translations
Interlinear
Notes
The time had come. Judas’s departure into the night marked a clear turning point in the story of the Gospel. Jesus was now left with his closest friends, as the hour of his glory was beginning. This period began with Judas’s betrayal and ended with the resurrection.
The Old Testament and later Jewish literature include numerous examples of farewells in which a dying person offers last words to intimate friends (see Gen 49:1–27; Deut 31–34; Josh 23–24; 1 Sam 12; 1 Chr 28:1–29:30). Such farewells used a standard form. The dying person, surrounded by his loved ones, comforted them and exhorted them to obey the law. He prayed and blessed them and often left behind some writings. In some cases, the departing person passed on his “spirit” to his followers or his successor (see Num 27:18; Deut 34:9; 2 Kgs 2:9–14). Each of these elements is present in Jesus’ farewell. • This section is often called the Upper Room Discourse, since the meal was taken in an “upstairs room” (Luke 22:12).
The setting is the final Passover meal of Jesus on Thursday evening. During this meal, Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus. John does not describe the meal itself like the Synoptic Gospels do (Matthew 26:17–29; Mark 14:12–25; Luke 22:7–20; see also 1 Corinthians 11:23–26). John focuses on other activities at the event, such as:
the foot washing (John 13:1–17),
Judas’s betrayal (13:18–30), and
the prediction of Peter’s denials (13:31–38).
God or Satan? Jesus’ Final Night The Ascension of Jesus The Son of Man
Events
Parallels
People
Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Lord’s Supper, the
Topics
God: Glory of Jesus, the Christ: Exaltation of Jesus, the Christ: Humanity of