-What Really Counts?

 

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When John referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (Jn. 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7,20 NIV) he wasn’t implying that Jesus didn’t love the others. Nor was he suggesting that Jesus loved him more than the others. Commentators’ opinions vary as to why John referred to himself this way, but none accuse him of pride, selfishness or exclusivity.   What does come out in their comments on these verses is that John’s deepening appreciation of Jesus’ love for him could not be contained. He first used this epithet at the Last Supper, when his Lord’s betrayal was being discussed. Then at the cross, when the Savior gave His mother into John’s care. Then when Mary Magdalene reported that the tomb was empty. The last two times occurred at the end of his gospel, when Jesus asked these fishermen to also become shepherds: “Do you love Me? ... Feed My sheep ... Follow Me!”

John’s gospel tells us how his appreciation for God’s love deepened during his discipleship. Even though he wrote it almost 60 years after the fact, it mentions “love” almost twice as much as the other three gospels combined. And it also records the Savior’s most quoted words about love: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16).

John wasn’t boasting when he referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” In fact, he was de-emphasizing self while emphasizing Jesus’ love. He was practicing what his first teacher, John the Baptist (Jn. 1:34-40) taught him about the Messiah: “He must become greater; I must become less” (Jn. 3:30). It’s as though John were saying, “I want to be remembered for this – that Jesus loves me.” And isn’t that what really counts?

By Larry Ondrejack
With permission to publish by: Sam Hadley, Grace & Truth, 210 Chestnut St., Danville, IL., USA. Website: www.gtpress.org

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