Jesus' Farewell Personal Admonitions 

To John, the youngest of the apostles, Jesus expressed his deep trust. He reminded John of his role as one of the apostles closest to him, chosen by Andrew, and tasked him with caring for Jesus' earthly family in his absence. John was to ensure that his family would be supported and not let their confusion over his mission hinder them from finding comfort and guidance. Jesus urged John to become the apostle of the new commandment of love, which he had given earlier that night.

John, moved by these words, asked how he could learn to love his brethren more. Jesus answered that John must first learn to love the Father in heaven more and become genuinely interested in the welfare of others, fostering love through sympathy, unselfish service, and forgiveness. He also reminded John not to let others despise his youth but to always value the wisdom that comes with experience.

When Jesus turned to Simon Zelotes, he acknowledged Simon’s fervent loyalty but expressed concern about Simon’s deep desire for a kingdom on earth. Jesus reminded him that his kingdom was not of this world, and his disciples would not fight to establish it. Although Simon pledged his undying loyalty, Jesus foresaw Simon’s disillusionment once he realized that the kingdom was spiritual, not political.

Jesus encouraged Simon to dedicate his life to teaching the balance between earthly citizenship and spiritual sonship. Simon was urged to accept the reality of spiritual affairs and avoid seeking a kingdom of power. Despite the challenges ahead, Jesus promised that his spirit would be with Simon, especially in times of discouragement.

Turning to Matthew Levi, Jesus released him from his duties as treasurer of the apostolic group, knowing that the apostles would soon be scattered. Jesus assured Matthew that, even though they would be separated, the Spirit of Truth would guide each of them. Matthew expressed concern about who would lead them and where they should go, but Jesus reminded him that Andrew would remain their friend and counselor until the Spirit arrived to lead them forward.

Jesus commended Matthew’s devotion to maintaining the group’s finances and acknowledged that, despite Judas’s betrayal, Matthew’s presence was a testament to the loyalty of a tax collector who had chosen to follow the Son of Man. He urged Matthew to dedicate his future service to showing that God is no respecter of persons, emphasizing equality in the eyes of God.

Jesus addressed James Zebedee, reminding him of the time when he and his brother John had sought special honors in the kingdom. Jesus reassured James that, although they had not fully understood the nature of the kingdom at the time, they would soon be prepared for the service that awaited them. He advised James to learn the balance between courage and discretion and to live long, fruitful lives on earth to win souls for the kingdom.

James was encouraged to demonstrate divine dignity and affection, as Jesus knew that both he and John would take different paths, with one likely to join him in the eternal kingdom before the other. Jesus urged James to cultivate compassion and patience in his ministry.

As Jesus approached Andrew, he released him from his responsibilities as the acting head of the apostles. Andrew had served faithfully as Jesus’ representative, but now that Jesus was leaving, he was no longer to hold authority over the group unless they chose to restore it to him. Andrew’s role as a spiritual leader would continue, but his jurisdiction over the apostles’ temporal affairs was concluded.

Jesus urged Andrew to maintain peace and harmony among the apostles and believers in the difficult days ahead when they would have to carry on without Jesus' physical presence. Andrew was tasked with holding the group together until the Spirit of Truth arrived to guide them forward.

Jesus turned to the Alpheus twins, James and Judas, expressing his admiration for their ability to work in harmony with their flesh-and-blood brothers. He warned them that difficult times were ahead but reminded them that no labor was common in the service of God. Jesus encouraged them to face their challenges cheerfully and courageously, knowing that their service in the kingdom had transformed their lives and made all work sacred.

The twins were assured that their work in the kingdom, whether managing crowds or returning to their former occupations, was equally valued in the eyes of God. Jesus promised that their faithfulness would be remembered in the eternal kingdom.

When Jesus addressed Philip, he acknowledged that Philip had often asked many material questions, struggling to fully grasp the spiritual nature of Jesus’ teachings. However, Jesus expressed his confidence that Philip would soon see great things and realize the fulfillment of the gospel in his life.

Jesus encouraged Philip to dedicate his life to leading others to seek God with spiritual eyes rather than material understanding. He reminded Philip that many in the world looked at life in the same way Philip had, and that his mission was to guide them to greater spiritual truths.

Nathaniel, known for his honesty and frankness, was reminded by Jesus that his sincerity was valuable, but it must be tempered with discretion. Jesus advised Nathaniel to learn to modulate his thoughts to be more effective in his ministry. He warned that Nathaniel’s frankness might cause tension with his brethren but that he should remain true to his calling.

Nathaniel expressed his confusion about some of Jesus' teachings, and Jesus reassured him that this was understandable given his Jewish background. Jesus reminded Nathaniel that while he had taught much, the Spirit of Truth would soon come to reveal even more to him.

Jesus then spoke to Thomas, acknowledging his frequent doubts but commending him for his courage in facing them. Jesus assured Thomas that his critical mind would help safeguard against false teachings and that his brethren would come to appreciate his perspective.

Jesus encouraged Thomas to dedicate his life to showing how the material mind could overcome doubt through the demonstration of living truth. He expressed his confidence in Thomas’s future service, knowing that he would triumph over his perplexities and continue to spread the gospel.

Finally, Jesus addressed Simon Peter, expressing concern over his impulsive behavior and lack of self-control. Jesus reminded Peter of the many times his thoughtless words had caused trouble and warned him that he would face great challenges that very night.

Despite Peter’s protestations that he would never forsake Jesus, Jesus foretold that Peter would deny him three times before the cock crowed. Jesus reassured Peter that, after this experience, he would become stronger and continue to lead the spreading of the gospel, even if it led him to imprisonment or death.

After addressing each of the apostles, Jesus reminded them all to love one another as he had loved them. They sang a hymn together before departing for the Mount of Olives, where the final events of Jesus’ earthly life would soon unfold.