Yochanan 13:31–16:33, which contains Yeshua’s farewell discourse in Yochanan’s Gospel, follows the pattern of Moshes’ farewell discourse in Deuteronomy 31–33. Such discourses typically include predictions of a person’s death and departure; predictions of future challenges for His followers after His death; arrangements for succession; exhortations to moral behavior; a final commission; an affirmation and renewal of God’s covenant promises; and a closing doxology. While Yeshua’s farewell discourse generally follows this pattern, it also differs. Yeshua’s farewell was only temporary (His followers will see Him again after a little while, Yochanan 14:19), so His final words focused on the future rather than the past. Also, the vine allegory in Yochanan 15 is distinct from Tanakh or second-temple farewell discourses. Overall, Yeshua made provision for the Ruach HaKodesh to continue His mission through the Talmidim. Yeshua Himself would continue to direct their mission from His exalted position with the Father.

The New Command

13 ³¹ After Y’hudah had left, Yeshua said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in Him. ³² If the Son has glorified God, God will Himself glorify the Son, and will do so without delay.

Looking through the eyes of faith, Yeshua’s glorification refers to His death.

³³ Little children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for Me; and, as I said to the Judeans, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ now I say it to you as well. ³⁴ “I am giving you a new command: that you keep on loving each other. In the same way that I have loved you, you are also to keep on loving each other. ³⁵ Everyone will know that you are My talmidim by the fact that you have love for each other.” (Emphasis added.)

Why is this a new commandment? Doesn’t Leviticus 19:18 already say, “Love your neighbor as yourself”? The difference is this: Leviticus says, “as yourself”; Yeshua says, “In the same way that I have loved you,” which presupposes that God’s way of loving can be ours. Humanly, this is impossible. But Yeshua gives us a new nature, a new spirit, in fulfillment of Tanakh promises (Ezekiel 36:26, 37:14; Jeremiah 31:32(33)), God’s Spirit, the Ruach HaKodesh. This is how we can love as God loves; God makes it possible. Everyone will know that you are my talmidim by the fact that you have love for each other. This is what those who claim to trust Yeshua are called to do, and what they can expect God’s power to enable them to do. God can be counted on to fulfill His promise that the world will recognize such people as true Talmidim of Yeshua.

Kefa’s Denials Predicted

³⁶ Shim‘on Kefa said to Him, “Lord, where are you going?” Yeshua answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.” ³⁷ “Lord,” Kefa said to Him, “why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you!” ³⁸ Yeshua answered, “You will lay down your life for me? Yes, indeed! I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown Me three times”.

Kefa won’t die with Yeshua, but he will later die for his faith (according to church tradition). Yeshua means that after Kefa dies, he will follow Yeshua into eternal life. Although Kefa believes he is completely dedicated to following Yeshua, he actually is not. He will deny Yeshua three times.

The Way to the Father

Yeshua reiterates to His Talmidim that faith in Him alone will bring salvation. He uses another metaphorical “I am” statement – this time that He is the way, the truth, and the life (Yochanan 14:6)

14 ¹ “Don’t let yourselves be disturbed. Trust in God and trust in Me. ² In my Father’s house are many places to live. If there weren’t, I would have told you; because I am going there to prepare a place for you. (What a promise!!!) ³ Since I am going and preparing a place for you, I will return to take you with Me; so that where I am, you may be also. ⁴ Furthermore, you know where I’m going; and you know the way there.” ⁵ T’oma said to Him, “Lord, we don’t know where you’re going; so how can we know the way?” ⁶ Yeshua said, “I AM the Way – and the Truth – and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me. ⁷ Because you have known Me, you will also know my Father; from now on, you do know Him – in fact, you have seen Him.” ^[1]

T’oma, who trusts only what he can see (11:16, 20:24–29), picks up the challenge of the preceding verse, “You know the way.” Yeshua said, “I AM the Way – and the Truth – and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” This challenge strikes at the heart of non-Messianic Judaism’s denial of Yeshua as Messianic mediator. Some try to ignore this challenge by denying its authenticity: either the Gospel of Yochanan is historically untrustworthy, or the words are not Yeshua’s but placed in His mouth by early church theologians. This view, of course, denies the New Testament’s divine inspiration.

In your home, you may sometimes struggle to communicate love effectively to your family. Yeshua speaks to His Talmidim about love, emphasizing that our relationship with Him should reflect in our relationships with others. This week, take time to express love in tangible ways at home – perhaps by dedicating time for a family meal without devices, listening to one another’s concerns, or volunteering for chores to lighten someone else’s load. By embodying Yeshua’s teaching on love at home, you create a nurturing environment that fosters connection and support.

In our next post, we will continue to explore the Gospel of Yochanan.

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^[1] Yochanan 13:31 – 14:7