JESUS SAID ”I AM THE TRUE VINE”

SETTING THE SCENE-OVERVIEW
John’s gospel chapter 12 closes the public ministry of Jesus, and Chapter 13 opens with these words:
 “It was just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father.  Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.  The evening meal was being served-----”. 

The discussion that ensues continues through CH 17 is sometimes called the Upper Room Discourse.  It seems that Jesus prayed in front of his disciples after the discussion, and the prayer concludes at the end of CH17.  Note CH 18:1:

“When He had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley.   On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.”
 
Therefore the final opportunity for Jesus to have an extended time with his disciples, had past.  The story in the Gospel continues with the arrival of Judas and the arrest, death, burial and resurrection narrative.  Jesus had very little more time with his disciples until he went up into heaven.  Henceforth he said; the Holy Spirit would lead them.  Note John16: 12
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.  But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth---”.