When Jesus gathered together with the apostles for his last supper with them, he knew that his time was short. But there was more that he wanted to do with them and teach them. The majority of his teachings came in what is called the farewell discourse. In it he took his full gospel—both his original, basic message and his advanced teachings regarding divine Sonship—to new heights.
Watch the 11:38 video or listen to the podcast episode.
Everything that the Master communicated this evening prepared his hearers to stay connected with him and united with each other. In this way, they would be able to continue to follow him when he would no longer be physically present. On this pivotal evening, he revealed the higher level of religion that will eventually lead us into the kingdom in its fullness.
Jesus was the model for leaders who know they are not going to stay on the planet forever. He made provision for continuing what he had begun. His legacy would sustain the inspiration, make it possible for people to stay true to the mission, and provide for further growth and new developments to come.
In his last evening with the apostles he did many things to promote their enduring unity. He
He washed the apostles’ feet as a symbol of service. He had said, “I am among you as one who serves.” He had made it clear that the mark of true greatness was to serve. Serving others promotes unity and keeps the spirit of Jesus’ original message very much alive. In many groups, after the initial leader dies, competition for power becomes divisive. And after Jesus left the planet, it didn’t take long before serious clashes arose between leaders.
Next, Jesus established the sacrament of the bread and wine, saying, “Do this in remembrance of me.” The mystery of the sacrament develops oneness with Jesus and oneness among the members of the believing community.
- Then he gave a third love commandment. “Love one another as I have loved you. No man has greater love than to lay down his life for his friends. But this shall everyone know that you are my followers.” This, he said, was the gateway to the most complete friendship and joy. Said Jesus, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” These commandments include loving God supremely, worshiping God in spirit and in truth, being centered in the divine spirit within, and seeking most of all to do God’s will.
Said Jesus, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” To abide means to remain or stay—ideally stay continually in touch with the Master. These commandments include loving God supremely, worshiping God in spirit and in truth, being centered in the divine spirit within, and seeking most of all to do God’s will.
Jesus told them not to be surprised if the world hates you. In other words, don’t be surprised if you are hated by people who do not know either Jesus or God. Jesus did not want them to be caught off guard or scattered because of persecution. He said, “They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you think they are offering worship to God. And they will do this because they do not know the Father or me.” Being forewarned, the would be able to remain poised. Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
Jesus also told them that after his death and resurrection, he would pour out upon everyone his Spirit of Truth, the Comforter, also known as the Holy Spirit. In this way his followers could experience the truth of his statement, “I am the vine and you are the branches.” This spirit is how the life in the vine is in us. Insofar as we are fruitful and effective branches, Jesus can live with, in, and through us. He also made a promise for the future: the Spirit of Truth would “lead you into all truth.” In other words, the well of living truth had not dried up. There was more. Later generations would face new situations and need help with their challenges in order to apply in their lives the eternal and living truth of Jesus’ expanding message.
As the culmination to all that he had said and done with them that evening, Jesus concluded with a prayer with a vast scope. The previous things he had done and said on service, the sacrament, love, the vine and the branches, and the Spirit of Truth—all would be needed in order to accomplish what Jesus prayed for now. Referring to his followers in every age, he said, “Father, may they all be one, even as you and I are one.” Jesus’ spirit unity with the Father is far beyond what we will ever attain or fully understand, but this night Jesus put it clearly in simple words.
Jesus’ oneness with the Father does not erase the distinction between them as persons. Oneness between his followers does not imply the sacrifice of our unique personalities. Just as worshiping in spirit and truth does not imply that all worshipers are to follow the same outward practices, so spiritual unity does not imply that all believers have to think alike.
The teachings given earlier about Christ-like love show the attitude that is so important to spiritual unity.
The teamwork between the Master and the Father was intimate. Humans can also experience remarkable spiritual closeness in loving service to God, each other, and humankind generally.
“May they all be one.” For thousands of years, Jesus has been nurturing this goal. How much longer will we make him wait? The Master prayed out loud because he anticipated his followers’ significant differences—which he does not want to divide us. Jesus bears our burdens with us; and he can do much more with us if we bear his burdens, too, for example, by praying with him for us to be one, and setting apart time to do things that give tastes of that goal with other persons.
Image credit: Ford Madox Brown, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. The artist lived 1821-93; this work was painted between 1852-56, and is part of the collection of the Tate Gallery in London. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jesus_washing_Peter%27s_feet.jpg
