When it comes to important relationships in the Bible, there are few that can compare to the bond between John and Jesus. John was one of the twelve apostles, handpicked by Jesus himself, and the two had a special connection that endured even beyond Jesus’ crucifixion. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why John was so dear to Jesus, as well as what we can learn from their friendship as Christians today.
John was “the disciple whom Jesus loved”:
Out of all of the apostles, John was the one who was closest to Jesus. He was at Jesus’ side during many of his most important moments, such as the Last Supper and the crucifixion. In fact, John was the only apostle to remain with Jesus at the foot of the cross. This closeness was reflected in the nickname that Jesus gave to John: “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” This phrase doesn’t mean that Jesus loved John more than the other apostles, but rather reflects the deep affection and connection between the two men.
John was a witness to Jesus’ divine nature:
In addition to being Jesus’ close friend, John was also one of the most important witnesses to Jesus’ divinity. Throughout the gospels, John records some of the most profound statements that Jesus made about himself, such as “I am the way, the truth, and the life” and “I and the Father are one.” John’s writings also include some of the most miraculous signs that Jesus performed, such as the feeding of the five thousand and the raising of Lazarus. By recording these events, John helped to establish Jesus’ identity as the Son of God.
John was entrusted with caring for Mary:
One of the most touching moments in the gospels is when Jesus entrusts the care of his mother, Mary, to John. As he was dying on the cross, Jesus turned to John and said, “Behold your mother.” From that moment on, John took Mary into his own home and cared for her as if she were his own mother. This act of love and devotion shows just how deep the bond was between John and Jesus.
John’s writings inspire us to love one another:
After Jesus’ resurrection, John became one of the most important teachers and leaders in the early Christian community. His letters to the churches are full of wisdom and guidance for how to live a life of love and faith. In particular, John emphasizes the importance of loving one another as Jesus loved us. He writes, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” John’s writings remind us that our love for one another should be the hallmark of our faith, just as it was for John and Jesus.
Conclusion:
In many ways, the bond between John and Jesus is a model for the relationships that we should strive for as Christians. John’s close friendship with Jesus was founded on a deep love and trust, and it endured even beyond Jesus’ death. As we read John’s gospel and letters, we can see the care and devotion with which he wrote about his friend and savior. May we all strive to cultivate such deep and meaningful relationships in our own lives, grounded in love, faith, and the common bond of our shared belief in Jesus Christ.
Discovering the Relationship Between John and Jesus
As a Christian, you may have heard of the apostle John and the central figure of our faith, Jesus Christ. But have you ever taken the time to explore their relationship? John was one of the twelve apostles and is known as the beloved disciple of Jesus. He wrote five books in the New Testament, including the Gospel of John. In this blog post, we’ll dive into their relationship and what we can learn from it.
John and Jesus’ early encounters
John and Jesus were not strangers to each other. In fact, they had some early encounters that set them on a path of a lifelong relationship. John and his brother James were fishermen when Jesus called them to be his disciples. Later on, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain where they witnessed his transfiguration. This event gave them a glimpse of Jesus’ divine nature.
The Beloved Disciple
John was the only disciple to witness the crucifixion of Jesus. He stood at the foot of the cross with Mary, Jesus’ mother. Jesus entrusted Mary to John’s care. From that day forward, John was known as the beloved disciple. He had a special place in Jesus’ heart and was the only disciple who died a natural death.
The Gospel of John
John wrote the Gospel of John, which is often said to be the most theological of the four gospels. It tells the story of Jesus as the Word made flesh, sent to save humanity. In his gospel, John includes several stories that are unique to his account, such as the wedding at Cana, the Samaritan woman at the well, and the raising of Lazarus. These stories illustrate Jesus’ power and compassion.
Enduring bond
John and Jesus had a unique bond that endured through the years. Even after Jesus’ death, John carried on his mission. He preached the gospel and lived to serve Christ. John’s faithfulness to Jesus earned him a special place in the history of Christianity.
Lessons to learn
The relationship between John and Jesus teaches us many things. First, it shows us the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus. John knew Jesus intimately and was able to share his love with others. Second, John’s life demonstrates the power of God’s grace to transform lives. Finally, it reveals the importance of a lifelong commitment to Christ. John followed Jesus until the end of his days, and his faithfulness inspires us to stay steadfast in our walk with the Lord.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the relationship between John and Jesus is an inspiring example of a personal relationship with God. John’s unique bond with Jesus teaches us about the transforming power of grace and the importance of a lifelong commitment to Christ. As we read John’s gospel, we see the remarkable things that happen when we walk closely with the Lord. May we follow John’s example and seek to deepen our relationship with Jesus every day.