“One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him.”
John 13:23
Of the twelve original disciples, Peter is one of the most familiar. You cannot help but smile at his eagerness, passion, and unvarnished humanity. Judas is one who quickly comes to mind, too. But today let’s think about the disciple, John.
The fourth gospel book bears his name as its author, yet he only writes himself into the story five times. Never with “I,” “me,” or “my”; not even with “John.” He simply refers to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Undeniably, Jesus and John had a deep friendship. But was Jesus playing favorites? Or was John boasting about his special connection with the Lord? I think the depth of love Jesus expressed toward John had everything to do with John’s own great love toward Jesus. As John would later write, “Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God … God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).
John was right. He was “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” But he’s not the only one. The more you and I grow to love Jesus, the more we’ll have the same confidence—that we, also, are the disciples Jesus loves.
The fourth gospel book bears his name as its author, yet he only writes himself into the story five times. Never with “I,” “me,” or “my”; not even with “John.” He simply refers to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Undeniably, Jesus and John had a deep friendship. But was Jesus playing favorites? Or was John boasting about his special connection with the Lord? I think the depth of love Jesus expressed toward John had everything to do with John’s own great love toward Jesus. As John would later write, “Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God … God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).
John was right. He was “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” But he’s not the only one. The more you and I grow to love Jesus, the more we’ll have the same confidence—that we, also, are the disciples Jesus loves.
Scripture Focus
John 21:20-25
Insight
FAVORITE DISCIPLE by David Wollen. He became Haven’s President and Host in 2023, serving with Haven now for a total of 21 years. He and his wife Marci have three delightful young kids and live in the greater Chicago area.
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 23-24
- Psalm 73
- John 14-15