Some have mistakenly thought that Jesus' Last Discourse (Upper Room Discourse, John 13-17) does not fit the evangelistic purpose of the Gospel of John (John 20:30-31). Instead of viewing John 13-17 as evangelistic, they conclude that Jesus' Last Discourse was written to believers to instruct them on how to live the Chistian life.

At the 2008 Grace Evangelical Society National Conference, Zane Hodges demonstrates that Jesus' Last Discourse (Upper Room Discourse) was written for the express purpose of leading people to believe in Jesus for everlasting life. In part 1 of this 2 part series of messages, Zane covers (1) a Fundamental Premise, (2) the Historical Purpose of the Last Discourse, (3) the Audience of John's Gospel, and (4) the Literary Character and Purpose of the Last Discourse.

"Introducing John's Gospel: In the Upper Room with Jesus the Christ" (Part 1 of 2) by Zane C. Hodges https://faithalone.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Hodges.pdf

Zane Hodges continues his exposition of the Sermon of the Mount beginning with the thematic statement in Matthew 5:13-16 and continuing with the beginning of the body of the sermon in Matthew 5:17-24. Why is there an impression in Matthew 5:17 that Jesus came to destroy the Law or the Prophets? What is meant in Matthew 5:18 that all the law will be fulfilled till heaven and earth pass away. The Lord Jesus Christ is teaching us a standard by which we can live, which is nothing more or less than the righteous standard of His coming kingdom.

An outline of the Sermon of the Mount:

Prologue: Matthew 5:3-12

Thematic Statement 5:13-16

Body of Sermon: 5:17-7:12

Conclusion: Matthew 7:13-27

Passages mentioned: Nehemiah 8:17; Zechariah 14:16-19; Luke 18:9-14, 1 John 2:22; Matthew 25:32-46.

Zane examines why there are 3 Gospels for discipleship, Matthew, Mark and Luke, and what audience was each Gospel directed to?

Luke – Greek

Mark – Roman

Matthew – Hebrew

How does Matthew’s emphasis for discipleship to the Hebrew audience effect our understanding of the Sermon of the Mount? Matthew is discipleship with the King Jesus.

An outline of the Sermon of the Mount:

Prologue: Matthew 5:3-12

Thematic Statement 5:13-16

Body of Sermon: 5:17-7:12

Conclusion: Matthew 7:13-27

In Part 1, Zane explains the Prologue and covers the Beatitudes. The stress of the Beatitudes are on being and not doing. Discipleship to Jesus Christ is character driven not activity driven. The beginning point of all real discipleship to Jesus Christ has to be a recognition that God wants to make you the person that He wants you to be.