Love.
It’s the word that defines John and his written work, from his gospel, to his epistles, and even the book of Revelation.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. – John 3:16
The Gospel of John is brimming with the message of God’s love for the world, as encapsulated in and transmitted through Jesus. The word love is used 39 times in John’s account. It’s used just 27 times in the other three gospels combined!
Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. – John 13:1
But to me, the most touching use of love in John’s story is in how he referenced himself.
After John was chosen as one of Jesus’ disciples, he rarely referred to himself by name (though he often referred to John the Baptist). Rather, he called himself “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”
In John 13, the disciples gathered around Jesus for their Last Supper. Peter was given a lesson in foot-washing. Judas was revealed as a traitor. As Jesus explained that the final hours before the Crucifixion were upon him, the other disciples struggled to understand what would actually come to pass.
“The disciple whom Jesus loved” alone seemed to comprehend that his dear friend, teacher, and master would not be with them for much longer.
He lay on Jesus’ breast as a child with his father, and he listened as Jesus reminded them to love.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. – John 13:34
John found his identity not as a fisherman, or as a disciple, or even through his given name, but in the realization that the Messiah loved him. To me, he represents each of us who have believed this almost unbelievable fact: though unworthy and unwashed, we are loved by Christ.
Which disciple do you think you are most like?
What appeals to you most about John’s story?
Love this ☺️ I’ve never considered this perspective of John’s but what an awesome lesson for all of us.
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So glad you got something from it!
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Great post! I didn’t know that little fact about the use of “love” in John vs. the other Gospels.
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I didn’t realize the full extent of how he used the theme until I researched it myself!
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I love to read John because through the longer interactions recorded between Jesus and those he spoke with, I learn so much about Jesus, his thinking, and how he feels about us.
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Yes! I agree.
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Though he wasn’t a disciple, Luke’s perspective has always resonated with me. He was a detailed and analytical observer of the works of God. And I tend to be the same way. I have to put myself in positions to actually engage instead of merely being a bystander.
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Yes, exactly!
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What an identity to embrace! I pray we all see ourselves as John saw himself…as one “whom Jesus loved.” Thank you for this powerful post, Meredith! ❤ ❤
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Thanks, Lynn. This concept really touched my heart, and I’m so glad it spoke to you as well, my friend!
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John was probably the wisest of the disciples. I want to be the most like him, but that’s kind of a tall order…
I really liked this one! It’s kind of like “Remind Me Who I Am.”
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Hey, that’s a really good thought!
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What a beautiful and in depth post on John and the book!!! I did not know how often love was talked about!!! Wow!!! I feel like I have pieces of multiple disciples. The clinging to Jesus, jumping too far before listening [Peter], wanting more affirmation than assurance [Thomas].
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Me, too! I see parts of myself in several disciples.
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Glad to know I am not the only one!!
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