Christ’s Intimate Sermon

John 13:31-35

INTRODUCTION: I don’t know any of us fully understand the scene and sobriety of the content found in John chapters 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17. No longer was Christ preaching to the masses, seeking converts, or proving Himself via miracles. Instead, this was the most personal and intimate time He experienced with His followers on this earth.

I. THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE MESSAGE (John 13:1-30)

A. The Timing of the Message (John 13:1)

1. The passover observance (John 13:1)
a. Occurred in the evening (Remember that the order of the day was evening and morning.)
b. Occurred on the 14th of the month
2. The washing of the disciples’ feet (John 13:4-17)
3. The news of betrayal (John 13:18-30)
4. The institution of the Lord’s supper (Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20)

B. The Audience of the Message (John 13:31)

1. Judas was gone out.
2. The Lord was left alone with the eleven.

C. The Importance of the Message

1. The Passover was observed in the evening.
2. Before midnight, the Lord would be taken, the disciples scattered, and the trials began (Matthew 26:31, 34; Mark 14:27, 30; John 18:3).
3. By 9 AM the next morning, Christ will be lifted up on the cross (Mark 15:25).
4. By 12 PM the next day, darkness will prevail on the earth with Christ on the cross (Matthew 27:45; Mark 15:33; Luke 23:44-45).
5. Somewhere after 3 PM and before 6 PM, Christ will give up the ghost (Mark 15:34).

II. THE CONTENT OF THE MESSAGE (John 13:31-35)

A. The Time of Glorification (John 13:31-32)

1. The Father is glorified in the Son (John 13:31).
2. The Son is glorified in the Father (John 13:32).

B. The Brevity of Time (John 13:33)

1. The vulnerability of the audience—“Little children,”
2. The shortness of time—“yet a little while I am with you”
3. The certainty of need—“Ye shall seek me:”
4. The coming separation—“Whither I go, ye cannot come;”

C. The Commandment (John 13:34-35)

1. Its newness (John 13:34)
a. Recipients of love
1.) Love of neighbour (Matthew 5:43)
2.) Love of enemies (Matthew 5:44)
3.) Love the Lord (Matthew 22:37)
b. Pattern of love of neighbours—“as thyself” (Matthew 19:19)
2. Its call—“That ye love one another;” (John 13:34)
3. Its standard—“as I have loved you,” (John 13:34)
4. Its declaration—“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,” (John 13:35)

III. THE OBSESSION OF THE AUDIENCE (John 13:36-38)

A. The Questions Asked

1. Whither goest thou (John 13:36)?
2. Why cannot I follow thee now (John 13:37)?

B. The Message Missed

1. Peter got stuck on the words of John 13:33.
2. That being said, he likely missed the message of John 13:34-35.

CONCLUSION: In the final hours before His unjust trials, persecution, and crucifixion, the Lord Jesus made an appeal to His dearest followers—that they love one another!