Just Call Me The Disciple Whom Jesus Loves!

I have always been intrigued by John, one of Jesus' twelve disciples.

John was chosen by Jesus to be a disciple, along with his older brother James, after Peter and Andrew, who were also brothers. Peter, James and John were present at the transfiguration of Jesus. In fact, only Peter, James and John were allowed to follow Jesus when He raised Jairus' daughter from the dead.

During the last Passover meal Jesus shared with His disciples, John sat on Jesus' right side - the place of honor - and leaning back, laid his head on Jesus' chest in order to ask Him a question.

John was the only disciple who was with Jesus at the beginning of his ministry, was present at His crucifixion, and witnessed His complete resurrection. In addition, historians tell us that John was the only disciple that did not run away or hide from the authorities during times of persecution by the Romans or the Jewish leaders. Finally, John is the only disciple that lived a long life, and died a natural death.

All in all, John lived a pretty incredible life! However, one particular thing about John always annoyed me. In fact, I used to think John was pretty arrogant because in his writings, he always referred to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." I mean, didn't Jesus love all His disciples equally?

Well, it's taken me a while, but I think I finally understand why John referred to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." It wasn't that Jesus loved John more than His other disciples. Rather, John, perhaps more than the other disciples, never quite got over how incredible it felt to be loved by Jesus.

The love of Jesus is not like the world's love, which is often conditional and self-centered. Jesus' love is extravagant! He doesn't love in order to get something from us, but to give everything of Himself to us! His love accepts unconditionally what others reject or consider hopeless.

Speaking from personal experience, when I began to actually experience the love Jesus has for me, EVERYTHING changed -- and for the better! I no longer run away from God in fear when I mess up - and I still mess up - a lot! Today, I run to Him and I am still amazed that He stands there with arms open wide and with so much love in His eyes....

So, please don't think me arrogant or proud when I refer to myself, like John did, as the disciple whom Jesus loves!