MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
We continue our focus on the life of the Messiah, and with Easter approaching, I’d like to look at a few events during His last week on earth. While the three years of Jesus ministry were full and fast-moving, none were more so than the last few days, called Passion Week.
After the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the cleansing of the temple and several days of teaching, Jesus sought a place to be alone with His disciples. The writers of Matthew, Mark and Luke record directions to the disciples, how they were to remember the moment as they celebrated the Passover. But John, with his account, dedicated significant coverage to the words Jesus spoke, as He shared His heart with those He loved.
We’ll begin by looking at the setting of what is called the Farewell Discourse. The chief priests and scribes were seeking a way to put Jesus to death. They and one of the disciples, Judas Iscariot, had made a deal that Judas would betray his Lord for thirty pieces of silver (Luke 22:1-6). John and Peter were sent into town with instructions to look for a man carrying a water jar (unusual for a man in that culture). There’s speculation on who owned the Upper Room, but that person and the man carrying the jar remain two of many unnamed, anonymous, willing servants in the Bible.
Jesus began the evening by washing the disciples’ feet. Rather than instituting another church ritual, this act was symbolic of their cleansing (John 13:2-17).
Jesus knew what He was facing, and what the disciples would be facing - similar to what may be encountered today. The Farewell Discourse contains three elements: His ministry among them; the ministry He was giving them; and preparations for what they would face in the future. The message wasn’t chronological, but scattered among John chapters 13 through 16, and I would encourage you to read the passage and look for each. For instance, discussing His ministry, Jesus spoke of coming from the Father (16:28); His example of love (15:12); His teaching (15:20, 22); His works (14:11; 15:24); and His rejection by the world (15:20, 23-24).
The disciples interrupted Jesus at least seven times, which continued His methodology of teaching using question and answer. Their questions were also understandable, especially considering the predictions of threats they’d face, Jesus’ manner of speaking, and their apprehension about a future without Him. It’s important to remember that John wrote his gospel decades after those of Matthew, Mark and Luke, so he sometimes expanded on the content of the other three authors. For instance, Luke in 12:12 mentioned the help of the Holy Spirit, but John elaborated on the Spirit’s work throughout chapters 14-16. He also explained more about the signs that He had performed (John 14:10-12; 15:24; 17:4).
During the foot washing - a sign in itself - Jesus indicated that one of the disciples was unclean (13:10-11) and later foretold that one would betray Him. As Judas departed, the scripture says, “it was night” which was appropriate for one still walking in darkness though surrounded by the light of the world. With Judas’ exit, Jesus took an old commandment from Leviticus 19:18 and expanded it to establish a new standard of loving (John 13:34) - more than an attitude, but an active expression of the love He demonstrated.
During this time of great uncertainty and separation, Jesus promised a place, specially prepared. Most important, He will be there with us. “’And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also’” (John 14:3).
The longest section of benefits promises that the Holy Spirit will come. “’It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you’” (John 16:7). And “’When ... the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth’” (John 16:13). Each provision is given so we can be witnesses.
Jesus’ promises extended even to their troubled spirits. “’My peace I give to you’” (John 14:27). The disciples had not experienced much productivity in three years, but they’re promised much fruit if they abide in Him (15:9). Fruits will come in the context of abiding in His love as He commands (13:34-35, 15:10) and are surely in line with Paul’s list of fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), all beginning with love.
John chapter 16 is written basically to prepare them, and us, for troubles ahead. The passage concludes,”’These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world’” (John 16:33). Earlier, Jesus told them, “’a slave is not greater than his master’” (John 13:16). Understandably, Jesus’ followers share in His trials, but we also share in His victory.
The words of Jesus in the Upper Room were more than provisions for the disciples to get along without Him. They are promises for each of us, based on sharing the life of the Son, who shares the life of the Father. As we look forward to Easter and beyond, and our time of dwelling in the Father’s house, the promises are still true. I would encourage you to read John chapters 13-17, and next week’s article will focus on the intimate, high priestly prayer of Jesus in John chapter 17.
