What Jesus was doing in what is called His “Upper Room Discourse”, was to prepare the disciples for what would happen soon: the Holy Spirit would be working with and in them, then through them as they witness to the truth of Jesus’ gospel, preaching Jesus’ teachings in the world. But as they sat there listening to what he said, I can only imagine their response to what would have been unthinkable for them then.
Change! I think this word brings up mixed feelings for most people, and I’ve no doubt that what Jesus did and said in John 13-17 roused very mixed feelings in each of the disciples who heard or were affected directly by what was done and said.
For Peter – see John 13:6-10, 36-38.
For Judas Iscariot – see John 13:26-30.
For Thomas – see John 14:5-6.
For Philip – see John 14:8-10.
Again, all of my scripture quotations will come from the Amplified Bible.
“I have told you these things while I am still with you.” John 14:25
“You heard Me tell you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming back to you.’ If you [really] loved Me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going [back] to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.”
“I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does take place, you may believe and have faith [in Me]. I will not speak with you much longer, for the ruler of the world (Satan) is coming. And he has no claim on Me [no power over Me nor anything that he can use against Me]; but so that the world may know [without any doubt] that I love the Father, I do exactly as the Father has commanded Me [and act in full agreement with Him].” John 14:28-31a
This series has focused primarily on The Gospel of John chapter 14 which records Jesus telling them of the change coming in their relationship to him and the relationship they will have with his Father in the future. Also, he begins to tell them about the Holy Spirit of Truth who will come to live in them.
What the disciples really heard Jesus say at that time is covered in John 13-17, where he teaches about abiding in him and uses abiding as a branch in a grape vine as an example of what he means. He also explains more of who the Holy Spirit is and what and how he would help the disciples remember, learn and adhere to his teaching. Jesus also warns them of the consequences, of how the religious establishment would treat them, that they would grieve while other people would rejoice — but Jesus’s own joy will be in them. Then he prays for the disciples and for all of us down through the centuries who come to believe in and love and follow him.
Take some time and read through John 15-17. Try a different version if you have one, or check out some of the online Bible apps that make a variety of versions available to you. If you are familiar with John 13-17, see if the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit help you see something you haven’t seen before.
