The single theme of the first block of teaching material is developed in dialogue form, with a series of questions and answers (13:36–14:24) ending with a postscript in the form of a monologue (14:25–31). Each question is occasioned by a previous statement of Jesus, so that each interchange has three parts: Jesus’ initial statement, the question that it occasions, and Jesus’ answer to the question. In all, four disciples take their turn as inquirers: Peter, Thomas, Philip, and Judas (not “the son of Simon Iscariot,” but another disciple named Judas).

The Question of Peter

Peter’s question, Lord, where are you going? builds on Jesus’ statement in verse 33, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” It is a natural question, because Jesus’ destination has not yet been established, but it is not a me…