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This
disciple was the only disciple who stood at the foot of the cross
when Jesus was dying. All of the others had deserted Him. Jesus trusted
this man, so He asked him to take care of His mother. Is that not
what happens when we know someone really loves us? We trust him with
valuable things. Jesus did - His mother. After His death and return
to life, Mary Magdalene ran into Peter first and then John. John 20:2
says that Jesus loved John. But the Greek word for love is different
from all of the other "who Jesus loved." The Greek word
had been AGAPE - God's love. This time scripture tells us that Jesus
PHILEO'ed John. Jesus liked John a lot. It was John who was the most
eager to get to Jesus' empty tomb (John 20:1-4). Of all of the disciples,
John loved Jesus more than his own life, more than anything. It should
not be a surprise that Jesus felt closer to John because John loved
Jesus the most. His actions showed it.
Conclusion: John
had spent a lot of time with Jesus. We are left with the impression
that John was with Jesus all of the time. Of all of the disciples,
John loved Jesus the most. John had risked his life for Jesus at the
cross. And when John heard that the one whom he loved was alive, he
rushed as fast as his legs would take him to find Him. Later, after
Jesus had asked Peter if he loved Him not once but three times, the
Holy Spirit reminds us that Jesus and John loved each other. John
was the only disciple who remained faithful, loving, and constantly
wanting time with Jesus. It should not be surprising that Jesus was
able to be closer with John. That was true of Abraham who was called
the friend of God (James 2;23), Enoch who "was pleasing to God"
(Heb. 11:5), Elijah who was a man of faith (James 5;17-18), and Daniel
whom God "highly esteemed" (Dan. 9:23; 10:11, 19). These
men all loved God with a passion. John greatly loved Jesus; as a result
they were very close.
How can we develop a close relationship like
this? It is called time, devotion to Him, faithfulness to Him, and
a willingness to sacrifice your life - your all for Him. It means
you long to be with Him. Do you long to be with Him constantly?
John
did. His heart beat for Jesus even at the risk of hardship and death.
There
is a difference between not wanting to offend Jesus and loving Him
with a passion. The desire to not offend is cautious, but a loving
heart only has eyes to eagerly follow and to please. There is a
difference
between loving Jesus and loving Him as we first did when we came
to Him. We have seen John's first love. Is Jesus still your first
love? You might be interested in reading "God's
Great Passion." |
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