I AM THE VINE

I AM THE VINE

The various themes introduced in chapter 13 were developed through chapter 14, including the key elements of a farewell speech. Finally, Jesus said, ‘Rise, let us go from here’ (14:31). However, they do not do this until 18:1. Some scholars suggest that chapters 15— 17 were inserted later. However, even if 14:31 originally led into 18:1, the gospel as we have it today, and in every ancient copy, includes these chapters here. Others suggest that they set out at 14:31 and these three chapters are delivered by Jesus on the way to Gethsemane. Since these chapters develop many of the key themes, it is better to see Jesus’ comment as giving some urgency to the Discourse. After all, it is not unusual at dinner-parties to say, ‘we really must be going’, several times before actually departing, such is the interesting conversation!…