Character Study Of John - The Beloved Disciple Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF JOHN (SON OF ZEBEDEE) – THE BELOVED DISCIPLE, WRITER OF JOHN, 1-3 JOHN, AND REVELATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 13:23

"Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved."

Supporting Texts: Matthew 4:21, Mark 3:17, Luke 9:54-56, John 1:35-40, John 19:26-27, Revelation 1:9

INTRODUCTION:

John, the son of Zebedee, was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and the younger brother of James. He was among the first disciples called by Jesus and was part of the inner circle along with Peter and James. Known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” John had a unique closeness to Christ. He later wrote the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the book of Revelation. His life was marked by transformation—from a man of fiery zeal to an apostle of love.

1. JOHN WAS ONE OF THE FIRST DISCIPLES CALLED BY JESUS

a) He was a fisherman before following Jesus (Matthew 4:21-22)

John and his brother James worked with their father, Zebedee.

b) He left everything to follow Jesus (Mark 1:19-20)

When Jesus called, he immediately obeyed.

c) He was originally a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35-37)

He sought after the truth and recognised Jesus as the Messiah.

d) He introduced others to Christ (John 1:40-42)

He was instrumental in leading people to Jesus.

e) Biblical Example: Peter and Andrew also left their livelihood to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-20).

2. JOHN WAS PART OF JESUS’ INNER CIRCLE

a) He was one of the three closest disciples (Mark 5:37)

Along with Peter and James, he witnessed key moments in Jesus’ life.

b) He saw the transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-2)

He beheld Jesus’ divine glory.

c) He was present when Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:37-42)

He saw Jesus’ power over death.

d) He accompanied Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-37)

He was chosen to be with Jesus in His most sorrowful moment.

e) Biblical Example: Moses, Joshua, and Caleb were also in a select leadership circle (Exodus 24:13-14).

3. JOHN WAS A MAN OF ZEAL BUT NEEDED SPIRITUAL MATURITY

a) He and his brother James wanted to call fire from heaven (Luke 9:54)

Their zeal was passionate but needed refinement.

b) Jesus rebuked them and taught them mercy (Luke 9:55-56)

Christ emphasised love over destruction.

c) He sought a high position in Jesus’ kingdom (Mark 10:35-37)

He and James desired positions of power.

d) Jesus corrected their ambition (Mark 10:42-45)

They learned that greatness comes through serving others.

e) Biblical Example: Paul was also zealous before his transformation (Acts 9:1-6).

4. JOHN WAS THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED

a) He had a special closeness to Jesus (John 13:23)

He leaned on Jesus’ bosom during the Last Supper.

b) He stood by Jesus at the cross (John 19:26-27)

He was entrusted with the care of Mary, Jesus’ mother.

c) He was the first to recognise Jesus after His resurrection (John 21:7)

His spiritual perception was sharp.

d) He was a witness to Christ’s resurrection (John 20:3-8)

He saw the empty tomb and believed.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel was also a man greatly loved by God (Daniel 10:11).

5. JOHN WAS THE WRITER OF FIVE NEW TESTAMENT BOOKS

a) He wrote the Gospel of John (John 20:31)

His gospel emphasises Jesus as the Son of God.

b) He wrote 1, 2, and 3 John (1 John 4:7-8)

His epistles teach about love and truth.

c) He wrote Revelation while in exile (Revelation 1:9-11)

He received prophetic visions about the end times.

d) He emphasised love as a key Christian virtue (1 John 4:7-12)

He transitioned from a fiery disciple to an apostle of love.

e) Biblical Example: Moses also wrote multiple books of Scripture (Exodus 24:4).

STRENGTHS OF JOHN

a) He was deeply devoted to Jesus (John 13:23)

His love for Christ was evident in his actions.

b) He remained faithful even in persecution (Revelation 1:9)

He was exiled for the gospel.

c) He emphasised love and unity (1 John 4:7-8)

He taught that love is the foundation of Christian faith.

d) He was entrusted with deep revelations (Revelation 1:1-2)

God used him to reveal the future.

e) He was a man of great spiritual insight (John 21:7)

He recognised Jesus even when others did not.

WEAKNESSES OF JOHN

a) He was initially impulsive and temperamental (Luke 9:54)

His zeal needed to be refined by Jesus.

b) He sought power instead of servanthood (Mark 10:35-37)

He and James asked for high positions in Jesus’ kingdom.

c) He misunderstood Jesus’ mission at first (Luke 9:55-56)

He thought Jesus' kingdom was about earthly power.

d) He needed to grow in humility (Mark 10:42-45)

Jesus had to teach him the true path to greatness.

e) He was sometimes exclusive in his approach (Mark 9:38-39)

He discouraged someone casting out demons because they were not among the apostles.