As a supplement to the recent notes on the Passion Narrative and the Last Supper scene (cf. the last two notes on this scene in John), it may be useful to provide a survey of the structure of the Last Discourse, which many commentators regard as a series of discourses joined together. It has been outlined many different ways; I suggest the following thematic outline:
- 13:31-38—Introduction to the Discourse (cf. above)
- 14:1-31—Discourse/division 1—Jesus’ departure
- The relationship between Jesus and the Father (vv. 1-14)
- Jesus’ Words for His Disciples (vv. 15-31)
- Instruction to the Disciples: Love and the Commandments (vv. 15-24)
—Initial statement: Promise of the Spirit (vv. 15-17)
—Instruction: Relation of the Disciples to Jesus and the Father (vv. 18-21)
—Question by the disciples [Judas] (v. 22)
—Jesus’ response: The disciples and the world in relation to Jesus and the Father (vv. 23-24) - Exhortation for the Disciples: Farewell Promise of Peace (vv. 25-27)
—Initial statement: Promise of the Spirit (vv. 25-26)
—Exortation: Jesus’ gift of his Peace (v. 27) - Concluding statement by Jesus on his departure (vv. 28-31)
- Instruction to the Disciples: Love and the Commandments (vv. 15-24)
- 15:1-16:4a—Discourse/division 2—The Disciples in the World
- Illustration of the Vine and Branches: Jesus and the Disciples (vv. 1-17)
- Instruction and Exhortation: The Disciples and the World (15:18-16:4a)
- 16:4b-28—Discourse/division 3—Jesus’ departure (farewell)
- 16:29-33—Conclusion to the Discourse
Some commentators would make chapter 17 part of the Last Discourse. Generally, this fits, but structurally, it is probably better to regard it as a separate component of the Passion Narrative in John. Despite the odd reference in 14:31b, it would seem that the Gospel writer intended (and envisioned) all of chapters 13-17 taking place at the time of the Last Supper. This, at least, is the narrative setting, which seems clear enough from the opening words of chapter 18: “(Hav)ing said these (thing)s, Yeshua went out [i.e. out of the room/house] with his learners [i.e. disciples]…”