Jesus and the Gospel Tradition: The Passion Narrative (Note on the “Last Discourse”)

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)
    • Initial statement by Jesus on his departure (vv. 1-4)
    • Question by the disciples [Thomas] (v. 5)
    • Jesus’ response: I AM saying (vv. 6-7)
    • Question by the disciples [Philip] (v. 8)
    • Jesus’ response: I AM saying (vv. 9-11)
    • Concluding statement by Jesus on his departure (vv. 12-14)
  • 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)
• 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)
    • The Illustration (vv. 1-3)
    • Application:
      —Remaining/abiding in Jesus (vv. 4-9)
      —Love and the Commandments (vv. 10-11)
      —The Love Command (vv. 12-15)
    • Concluding Exhortation (vv. 16-17)
  • Instruction and Exhortation: The Disciples and the World (15:18-16:4a)
    • Instruction: The Hatred of the World (15:18-25)
    • Exhortation: The Promise of the Spirit (vv. 26-27)
    • Concluding warning of the coming Persecution (16:1-4a)
• 16:4b-28—Discourse/division 3—Jesus’ departure (farewell)
  • The Promise of the Spirit (vv. 4b-15)
    • Initial statement by Jesus on his departure (vv. 4b-7a)
    • The Coming of the Spirit (vv. 7b-11)
    • Concluding statement by Jesus on his departure (vv. 11-15)
  • Jesus’ Departure and Return (vv. 16-24)
    • Initial statement by Jesus on his departure (v. 16)
    • Question by the disciples (vv. 17-18)
    • Jesus’ response: The Promise of his Return (vv. 19-24)
  • Concluding statement by Jesus on his departure (vv. 25-28)
• 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]…”