The Farewell Discourse is a significant portion of the New Testament, found in the Gospel of John, chapters 13 through 17. This discourse is a series of teachings and prayers delivered by Jesus Christ to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. It is a profound and intimate section of Scripture, offering deep insights into the relationship between Jesus, His Father, and His followers.

Context and Setting

The Farewell Discourse takes place during the Last Supper, a pivotal event in the Passion narrative. Jesus, aware of His impending death, gathers His disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem. The atmosphere is one of solemnity and anticipation, as Jesus prepares His disciples for the events that are about to unfold. This discourse is unique to the Gospel of John and is not paralleled in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).

Structure and Themes

1. Servanthood and Love (John 13:1-38): The discourse begins with Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, an act of humility and service. He instructs them to follow His example, emphasizing the importance of love and servanthood. Jesus states, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another" (John 13:34).

2. The Promise of the Holy Spirit (John 14:1-31): Jesus comforts His disciples, assuring them of His continued presence through the Holy Spirit. He promises, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth" (John 14:16-17). This section highlights the Trinitarian relationship and the role of the Holy Spirit as a guide and comforter.

3. The Vine and the Branches (John 15:1-17): Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate the necessity of abiding in Him. He declares, "I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). This passage underscores the importance of spiritual union with Christ and the resulting fruitfulness.

4. Hatred from the World (John 15:18-16:4): Jesus warns His disciples of the persecution they will face from the world. He explains that the world will hate them because it first hated Him. This section prepares the disciples for the challenges of discipleship and the cost of following Christ.

5. The Work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-15): Jesus further elaborates on the role of the Holy Spirit, who will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Spirit will also guide the disciples into all truth, glorifying Christ in the process.

6. Sorrow Turned to Joy (John 16:16-33): Jesus speaks of His impending departure and the sorrow it will bring, but He assures the disciples that their sorrow will turn to joy. He uses the analogy of a woman in labor to describe the transformation of their grief into rejoicing.

7. The High Priestly Prayer (John 17:1-26): The discourse culminates in Jesus' prayer to the Father, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer. Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples, and all future believers. He petitions for unity, sanctification, and the revelation of God's glory. Notably, He prays, "I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one" (John 17:22).

Significance

The Farewell Discourse is a theological treasure trove, rich with Christological and pneumatological insights. It reveals Jesus' deep love for His disciples and His desire for their spiritual well-being. The discourse addresses key doctrines such as the Trinity, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the nature of Christian love and unity. It serves as a source of comfort and encouragement for believers, reminding them of Christ's abiding presence and the hope of eternal life.