Joh 13:31-38 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for John 13:31: 13:31–17:26 The Old Testament and later Jewish literature include numerous examples of farewells in which a dying person offers last words to intimate friends (see Gen 49:1-27 ; Deut 31–34 ; Josh 23–24 ; 1 Sam 12 ; 1 Chr 28:1–29:30 ). Such farewells used a standard form. The dying person, surrounded by his loved ones, comforted them and exhorted them to obey the law. He prayed and blessed them and often left behind some writings. In some cases, the departing person passed on his “spirit” to his followers or his successor (see Num 27:18 ; Deut 34:9 ; 2 Kgs 2:9-14 ). Each of these elements is present in Jesus’ farewell. • This section is often called the Upper Room Discourse, since the meal was taken in an “upstairs room” (Luke 22:39 ). 13:31 The time has come: Judas’s departure into the night marks a solemn divide in the plot of the Gospel. Jesus was left with his intimate friends as the hour of glory was dawning. This time was launched by Judas’s betrayal, and it culminated in the resurrection.

Summary for John 13:31: 13:31–17:26 ^a The Old Testament and later Jewish literature include numerous examples of farewells in which a dying person offers last words to intimate friends (see Gen 49:1-27 ^b; Deut 31–34 ^c; Josh 23–24 ^d; 1 Sam 12 ^e; 1 Chr 28:1–29:30 ^f). Such farewells used a standard form. The dying person, surrounded by his loved ones, comforted them and exhorted them to obey the law. He prayed and blessed them and often left behind some writings. In some cases, the departing person passed on his “spirit” to his followers or his successor (see Num 27:18 ^g; Deut 34:9 ^h; 2 Kgs 2:9-14 ⁱ). Each of these elements is present in Jesus’ farewell.

• This section is often called the Upper Room Discourse, since the meal was taken in an “upstairs room” (Luke 22:39 ^j). 13:31 ^k The time has come: Judas’s departure into the night marks a solemn divide in the plot of the Gospel. Jesus was left with his intimate friends as the hour of glory was dawning. This time was launched by Judas’s betrayal, and it culminated in the resurrection.
13:33 ^l Jesus addressed the apostles as his children, marking the start of his farewell address.
Summary for John 13:34-35: 13:34-35 ^m That the disciples were to love one another was not a new commandment (see Lev 19:18 ⁿ). However, that they were to love each other with the sort of love modeled by Jesus was dramatic. Jesus’ love for God was expressed in perfect obedience (John 14:31 ^o); now this kind of love was his command—that disciples express their love for Jesus in committed obedience.
13:37 ^p Peter claimed to be ready to die for Jesus, yet his denials are well known (18:15-18 ^q, 25-27 ^r; see also Matt 26:32-34 ^s; Mark 14:27-30 ^t; Luke 22:31-34 ^u). Although Peter’s verve and devotion failed, he was restored (John 21:15-19 ^v).