Who is this disciple whom Jesus loved so tenderly? Is he a real person, or a secret person that does not want to identify himself? As Jesus chose him, he was a fisherman, and called the son of Zebedee, and brother to James. He also wrote the gospel of John and the Epistles of I, II, and III, John and Revelation.
We remember the Leonardo DaVinci's portrait of the disciples sitting next to Jesus, and the one closest to Jesus is John as he is shown leaning on the shoulder of Jesus as symbolic of his love for Jesus. This comes from the Bible "Now there was leaning on Jesus bosom one of his disciples whom Jesus loved. (John 13:23) Then verse 25, says, "He then lying on Jesus' breast said unto him, Lord, is it I?" John never mentions his name in the gospel but we believe this is him.
Again, at the crucifixion of Jesus, John is there next to Mother Mary. identified as 'the disciple whom Jesus loved. (JN 19:26) At the resurrection, he is identified as the disciple whom Jesus loved. (20:2) Then next, on the fishing trip with the other disciples, he is mentioned as 'the other disciple." (21:7,20,24) Why, not his name, or his picture? He was giving honor to Jesus only, this was not about John!
Who is this John, the Disciple? They called him "The Son of Thunder" for his voice. The Big Fisherman! The man with a Big heart, a loving heart for people. Whatever he did, John did it wholeheartedly! He was not one to ask questions like the other disciples. He never critized. He was always straight forward and to the point! They described him as the deep thinker, the silent disciple. He was determined to always do what's right. Most of all, John was the spokesperson like Peter became later in their ministries. He was in his believing, the greatest friend to Jesus.
There was an intense warmth of love he had for Jesus. HE LOVED JESUS SO MUCH! And he loved his brethren just as much in the Kingdom of God. They described John courageous and bold in his love for Jesus. In a quiet way, he served his Master. The love of Jesus in his heart is what energized him everyday. John was intense, sincere, and unselfish as he wrote his gospel and his epistles, and revelation.
An eagle is the best way to describe John. Soaring high, but with eyes looking out for the young who need to fly and be fed. He spoke the truth and in love for the followers of Jesus. When he was with Jesus for 3 years, He was very teachable and very much impressed by the love Jesus showed to him and couldn't wait to tell the whole world. He may have been the silent disciple but he will never forget those last days of Jesus on earth, because it made him one of the strongest of all of the disciples.
Jesus looked to him to care for Mary, the mother of Jesus. But Peter was about to fail, but Jesus needed a John to look after him as well. He did not say to John 'feed my sheep' because John would do it anyway. While the other disciples scattered at the cross, not John! It was John who had the visions of Jesus, who told us in writing John is still standing in the end!
CONCLUSION: A friend told the story of his son when he was the basement and was carrying his books up the stairs. His son wanted to also help him, so the boy walked in front with some books as well. And of course, half way up the boy tripped and fell backwards and safely into his dad's arms. So now they both went up the stairs together and relieved that nothing serious happened! Jesus walked behind John and numerous times rescued him. To become known as "The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved" leaning on the bosom of Jesus. Amen.
Presented By Larry L. Vollink, Cedar Springs, Michigan, (616) 655-4129 lawrenceV@comcast.net
