LESSON 9
WITH CHRIST IN THE UPPER ROOM
[John 13 — 14]
DRAWING NEAR
Imagine having a face-to-face dinner with the Lord Jesus Christ. What kinds of topics would
you want to discuss with Him? Explain why.
THE CONTEXT
In these chapters leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord, John’s record looks at Jesus
devoting Himself to His own disciples. While chapters 1 - 12 center on the rejection of Jesus by the nations,
chapters 13 - 17 (commonly called the “Upper Room Discourse” by scholars) center on the handful of people
who did receive Him.
Beginning here in chapter 13, Jesus shifts completely from public ministry before the masses to
private ministry before a few faithful followers. These events are a record of the farewell words and
works of Christ on the same night of His betrayal and arrest. With the cross only one day away, these
final acts and conversations comprise Jesus’ legacy to His followers. Chapter 14 centers on the promise
that Christ is the One who gives believers comfort, not only by virtue of His future return but also in
the present via the powerful ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Following the dismissal of Judas, Jesus begins His valedictory address to the remaining eleven
disciples. Little did they know that their world was about to be shattered. They would be bewildered,
confused, and ridden with anxiety because of the events that would soon transpire.
Anticipating the
disciples’ devastation, Jesus spoke to comfort them.
KEYS TO THE TEXT
Footwashing:
The dusty and dirty conditions of the region necessitated the need for footwashing.
Although the disciples most likely would have been happy to wash Jesus’ feet, they could not conceive of
washing each other’s feet. This was because in the society of the time, footwashing was reserved for
the lowliest of menial servants. Peers did not wash one another’s feet, except very rarely and as a mark
of great love. Luke points out that they were so busy arguing about who was the greatest of them
(Luke 22:24), that none of them stopped to wash their feet. When Jesus moved to wash their feet,
they were shocked. His actions serve also as a symbol of spiritual cleansing and a model of Christian
humility.
Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the divine agent who creates, sustains, and preserves spiritual life in those
who place their divine trust in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is not merely an influence or an impersonal
power emanating from God. He is a person, the third member of the Trinity, equal in every way to God
the Father and God the Son. He loves the saints, He communicates with them, teaches, guides, comforts,
and chastises them. He can be grieved, quenched, lied to, tested, resisted, and blasphemed. Since Pentecost,
the Holy Spirit has indwelt all believers, illuminating their understanding and application of God’s Word. He
fills them, seals them, communes with them, fellowships with them, intercedes for them, comforts them,
admonishes them, sanctifies them, and enables them to resist sin and serve God.
UNLEASHING THE TEXT
Read John 13 - 14.
1.
What spiritual lessons was Jesus trying to teach His followers by washing their feet? Was
He successful? How do you know?
2. What is the mood surrounding the Last Supper? Identify all the varied emotions that are
described (John 13).
3. How did Jesus attempt to comfort His confused disciples (John 14)? What assurances did He
give them?
GOING DEEPER
Jesus offered the promise of heaven to His disciples. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18 for more insight on
this topic.
EXPLORING THE MEANING
4. How do Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians illuminate or shed light on the promise of Christ in John
14:1 - 3? What more do you learn?
5. Why did Jesus call the Old Testament command to love God and each other a “new
commandment”? Verses to consider: Matthew 22:34 - 40; Romans 13:8 - 10; Galatians 5:14
6. What would you say to the person who claimed that Jesus is only “a” way to God (among
many other possible paths)? (See John 14:6)
TRUTH FOR TODAY
It is especially tempting to compromise our commitment when the cost becomes high. But the fact that
believers sometimes succumb to disobedience does not alter the truth that the character of the true
disciple is manifest in obedience. Although imperfect obedience is inevitable because of the unredeemed
flesh, the basic desire and life-direction of the true Christian is obedience to the Lord.
REFLECTING ON THE TEXT
7. Based on Christ’s answer to Judas (not Iscariot) in John 14:23, what new insights do you see
regarding the importance of obedience? Verses to consider: Matthew 7:13 -14; Luke 13:22 - 30; John 10:7
- 9; Acts 4:12
8. How does the hope of heaven encourage you? How does that truth affect how you live
now?
9. Are there any specific commands of Christ that you have been overlooking or ignoring? How
can you show your love for Christ this week by obeying?
PERSONAL RESPONSE
Write out additional reflections, questions you may have, or a prayer.