The Last Teachings of Jesus

Today, I’m going to start a series of discussions with you about Jesus's last teachings. The final hours of His earthly ministry were filled with some of His most profound and intimate teachings. As recorded in John 13–18, these chapters preserve His final words of instruction, warning, comfort, and prayer before His arrest and crucifixion.

This study will be a verse-by-verse exposition, where I will highlight what I believe are the most critical truths Jesus wanted His disciples—and us—to remember. My desire is that through this exploration, you will grow closer to Christ and gain a deeper understanding of what He imparted in these final, sacred moments.

Overview of the Events in John 13–18

This section of John’s Gospel begins in the Upper Room with the Passover meal, where Jesus performs a shocking act—washing His disciples' feet. It then moves through His teachings about love, obedience, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the trials they will soon face. 

In chapter 17, Jesus prays fervently for His disciples in what is known as His High Priestly Prayer, before leading them to Gethsemane, where He surrenders to the Father’s will and is ultimately betrayed and arrested in the 18 chapter.

Throughout the study, I will try to bring that night's atmosphere to life—to help you feel what the disciples might have felt as they heard these words. Confusion, sorrow, fear, and hope must have flooded their hearts as they listened to their Master speak for the last time before the cross. My goal is for you, as the reader, to sense the weight of these teachings and experience them not just as doctrine, but as living truth meant to transform us.

Jesus was preparing His disciples for the transition between His earthly ministry and the work of the Holy Spirit. The truths He shares in these chapters are not just theological—they are deeply personal. They reveal His heart for His people, His vision for the Church, and the promise of the Holy Spirit's guidance. These teachings are meant to be embedded in our hearts, shaping how we live, love, and serve in His name.

As we journey through Christ's final teachings, may we come away with a greater love for our Savior, a clearer sense of the Spirit’s work, and a deeper commitment to follow Him.

Before entering the intimate setting of John 13, where Jesus shares His final teachings with His disciples, the Gospel of John records a powerful sequence of events that lead up to this moment.

From the very beginning, John the Baptist identifies Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), setting the stage for His mission. Jesus' early ministry is marked by miraculous signs, beginning with His first public miracle at Cana, where He turns water into wine (John 2). Soon after, He boldly cleanses the temple in Jerusalem, challenging the religious leaders and declaring that His body is the true temple (John 2:13-22). His growing influence attracts both followers and skeptics, including Nicodemus, a Pharisee who comes to Him by night, leading to Jesus' profound teaching on the necessity of being “born again” (John 3).

Traveling through Samaria, Jesus encounters the woman at the well and reveals Himself as the Messiah, breaking cultural and religious barriers (John 4). As His ministry expands, He performs many signs and wonders, including the healing of a nobleman’s son, the paralytic at Bethesda, and later, a man born blind—each miracle serving as a sign of His divine identity. One of the most dramatic moments in His ministry comes when He feeds a crowd of over five thousand people with just five loaves and two fish, followed by His claim that He is “the Bread of Life” (John 6).

As Jesus' miracles and teachings increase, so does the opposition from the Jewish leaders. His declaration in John 8:58—“Before Abraham was, I AM”—leads many to accuse Him of blasphemy. Yet, His greatest sign before His own resurrection is the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11), a moment that causes both wonder and hostility. The religious leaders, fearing His influence, begin plotting His death more aggressively.

This brings us to John 12, where Jesus' journey toward the cross accelerates. In Bethany, Mary anoints His feet with costly perfume, foreshadowing His burial. Soon after, He enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy as the crowds cry out, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (John 12:12-19). However, despite the public excitement, Jesus knows that His time is short. He speaks of His impending death and glorification.

We read now in the latter part of chapter 12 for the preface to our major study as Jesus begins his last teachings.

The Hour Has Come

Scriptures for study and reflection:

John 12:20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 

John 12:21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 

John 12:22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 

John 12:23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 

John 12:24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 

John 12:25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 

John 12:26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. 

John 12:27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 

John 12:28 Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” 

John 12:29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” 

John 12:30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 

John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 

John 12:32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” 

John 12:33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die.