What is the Upper Room Discourse?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The phrase "Upper Room Discourse" does not appear in the text of Scripture itself, but it can be a helpful term when studying Jesus' teachings leading up to His arrest, trial, and death as recorded by His beloved disciple John. The Upper Room Discourse in John 14—17 consists of Jesus' teachings given after the Passover seder meal, continuing as He and His disciples walked to the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus begins with "Let not your hearts be troubled" (John 14:1, 27), addressing the disciples' anticipated fear and worry about His departure. His teachings cover His relationship with the Father, the gift of the Holy Spirit, the need to abide in Him, the importance of obedience, and the command to love one another. Jesus’ words aim to prepare His disciples for future challenges, assuring them of peace, joy, and faith despite tribulation. The discourse concludes with Jesus' "High Priestly Prayer,” expressing His desire to glorify God and encourage future believers. The Upper Room Discourse was an encouragement to Jesus’ disciples and is still an encouragement for us today.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Upper Room Discourse occurred in the New Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Upper Room Discourse is a term that refers to Jesus' teachings in John 14—17.
• These teachings from the Upper Room Discourse began in the upper room after Jesus and His disciples had completed the Passover seder meal the night before His crucifixion (Mark 14:15; Luke 22:12–13). The teachings continued as the group walked to the garden of Gethsemane (John 14:31; 18:1).
• The teachings begin with the phrase "Let not your hearts be troubled" (John 14:1) which is later repeated with the additional words "neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27).
• In the Upper Room Discourse, Jesus spoke of what the disciples would face when He left, and He knew they would feel fear and worry. He explained that He was sharing this disheartening information "so that when it does take place you may believe" (John 14:29). He also taught the Upper Room Discourse to keep them from falling away (John 16:1). Another reason He taught what He did was so when their hour comes they may remember what He told them (John 16:4). He explained, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace" (John 16:33). He also said, "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11). Jesus wanted His disciples to be prepared for what was to come so their faith, peace, and joy would remain even during the dark hours of suffering.
• In the Upper Room Discourse, Jesus taught about His relationship to the Father (John 14:2–14; 14:28—15:2; 16:28), the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16–20, 26; 15:26; 16:7–15), the need to abide in Him (John 15:1–11), the importance of obedience (John 14:15, 21, 23–24; 15:10, 14), the command to love one another (John 15:12–13, 17), God's love (John 14:21, 23; 15:9–10; 16:27), and the non-believing world (John 15:18–16:11).
• Many of Jesus' more well-known words occur in the Upper Room Discourse. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). "Ask, and you will receive" (John 16:24). "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). These phrases were the words Jesus wanted His disciples to understand and remember before He faced death on the cross and His disciples were scattered (John 16:32); they have been remembered through the ages and remain a source of comfort and encouragement to His followers even today.
• The Upper Room Discourse ends with Jesus praying what is often called the "High Priestly Prayer" (John 17). It is the longest recorded prayer of Jesus in any of the Gospels. He begins by praying for Himself, then for His disciples, and ends by praying for all future believers. This prayer shows Jesus' desire was to glorify God the Father by making His love known to His people. Even though it was a prayer directed to God, the words acted as encouragement to the disciples who heard it, and John recorded this prayer in his gospel to be an encouragement to future believers.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The Upper Room Discourse in John 14—17 reveals God's deep desire for believers to know Him and find assurance in His presence. Jesus begins by urging His disciples not to let their hearts be troubled, emphasizing that peace is found in trusting Him even in uncertain times. Through His teachings, Jesus assures believers of a prepared place with the Father and the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort them. God's heart is for His followers to abide in Jesus, understand His love, and experience His joy. By remembering Jesus' words and promises, we can face life's challenges without fear, knowing that He has overcome the world and that we are part of His eternal plan. This discourse shows us that God wants His people to live with confidence in His love, assured of His presence, and free from fear.

UNDERSTAND

• The Upper Room Discourse is found in John 14—17.
• Jesus' teachings in the Upper Room Discourse focus on reassurance, His relationship with the Father, the Holy Spirit, abiding in Him, obedience, and love.
• The purpose of the discourse is to prepare the disciples for future challenges.

REFLECT

• How do Jesus' words "Let not your hearts be troubled" in the Upper Room Discourse speak to your current fears or worries?
• How can you abide more deeply in Jesus and experience the peace and joy He promises?
• How does understanding Jesus' relationship with the Father and the gift of the Holy Spirit impact your daily walk with God?

ENGAGE

• How can we support each other in living out the command to love one another as emphasized in the Upper Room Discourse?
• What are some practical ways we can remember and apply Jesus' teachings on peace and overcoming tribulation in our lives today?
• How does the Upper Room Discourse help us understand the importance of obedience and abiding in Christ within our faith community?
• What do the teachings in the Upper Room Discourse reveal to us about God’s heart toward, and His desire for, believers?