In his Gospel, the apostle John does not mention his name. When he writes about himself, he refers to himself five times as the disciple whom Jesus loved. This does not mean that the Lord loved this disciple more than the others, but John was particularly aware of Christ’s love and lived in it.

In contrast, his friend Peter tended to be preoccupied with his love for Christ, which was evident in his self-confident words and vows of loyalty (cf. Mt 19:27; 26:33-35; Lk 22:33). We can simply say: John was the disciple whom Jesus loved, and Peter was the disciple who loved Jesus.

When we look at the five passages from the Gospel of John in which John refers to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved, we realize what a blessing it is when we are preoccupied with Christ’s love for us and not with our love for Him.

In these five Bible passages, we find the apostle John in various activities: lying down, standing, walking, recognizing, and following. And on each occasion, he was thinking about and enjoying the love of the Lord Jesus.

Reclining

“Now one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table in Jesus’ bosom. Simon Peter beckoned to him to ask who it was of whom he was speaking. But he, leaning on Jesus’ breast, said to him, “Lord, who is it? Jesus answers: It is he to whom I will give the morsel when I have dipped it” (John 13:24-26).

In the upper room, the Lord told His disciples that one of the twelve would deliver Him up. Peter wanted to know who the unloving traitor was, but did not dare to ask the Lord this delicate question. He therefore beckoned to John, who was lying in Jesus’ bosom: he asked the Master without hesitation and received a clear answer that exposed Judas Iscariot.

We learn that anyone who enjoys Christ’s love will stay close to Him and speak to Him often in prayer. Such a person is taught by the Word of God and learns to see things as He sees them. Those who focus on their own love, on the other hand, will remain more at a distance from the Lord and will not find answers to important questions as quickly.

Standing

“Now by the cross of Jesus stood his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw the mother and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son! Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother! And from that hour the disciple took her to himself” (John 19:25-27).

At the cross of the Lord Jesus, where his enemies were massed together, only John of the Twelve was present. Even Peter, who had been so courageous and had never wanted to leave the Lord, was not present. In that memorable scene, the crucified Savior entrusted his mother Mary to the beloved disciple John. He was to care for the widow in the future.

We learn that those who rejoice in the love of the Lord Jesus remain steadfast for Christ even in great danger and can be used by Him for outstanding ministries of love. On the other hand, those who rely on their own love will stumble in the trial and will not be able to serve others in love.

Running

“So she runs and comes to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and says to them, ‘They have taken away the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him. Then Peter and the other disciple went out, and they went to the tomb. But the two ran together, and the other disciple ran ahead, faster than Peter, and came first to the tomb” (John 20:3, 4).

After John and Peter were informed by Mary Magdalene that Jesus’ tomb was empty, the two of them set off. John ran faster than the usually brash Peter and was the first to reach the tomb. John was free inside, while Peter was inhibited by feelings of guilt – the sight of Jesus’ tomb alone must have pricked his conscience.

We learn that those who enjoy the love of Christ are protected from sin, walk confidently, and make joyful discoveries of faith. On the other hand, those who have relied on their own love and have been put to shame will lose their vigor on the path of faith, even if they have great natural energy and willpower.

Recognize

“Then that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord. Simon Peter, therefore, when he heard that it was the Lord, girded on his outer garment – for he was not clothed – and threw himself into the lake. But the other disciples came in the boat – for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits – and drew the net with the fish” (John 21:7, 8).

The disciples were waiting in Galilee for the risen Lord. But Peter wanted to be active and went fishing with some of the disciples. They caught nothing that night. When an unknown man on the shore led them to an overwhelming catch, John was the first to realize and testify that this mysterious stranger on the shore was none other than the Lord.

We learn that those who are aware of the love of the Lord Jesus will see Him behind the events of everyday life and point others to His presence. Those who think more about their own love and strength will quickly initiate fruitless activities and will not recognize the good giver behind the gifts so quickly.

Follow up

“Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following him, who had also leaned on his breast at supper and said, ‘Lord, who is it that delivers you? When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what will become of this man?” (John 21:20, 21).

At the Sea of Tiberias, the Lord spoke to Peter about his love. After Peter confessed that only omniscience could perceive his little love, Jesus said that Peter would glorify God through his death. Then the Lord asked him to follow Him. Peter saw that John had already done so and asked what was to become of his friend.

We learn that those who remain in the sunshine of Christ’s love are powerfully attracted to His person. Such a person hardly needs any external impulses to follow the Lord, because Christ’s love is reason enough. The situation is different when love for Christ fills the mind. Then the Lord’s invitation will soon be necessary: “Follow me!”

Summary

Those who enjoy the love of Christ will …

– … enjoy fellowship with Him while lying in Jesus’ lap.

– … remain standing in difficulties.

– … walk the path of faith with strength.

– … recognize the Lord and His work.

– … follow the Lord as if of one’s own accord.

It is good to love the Lord Jesus. But it is not good to be preoccupied with our changeable love for Him or even to trust this love. Rather, we want to remain in His unchanging love (John 15:9). Then our hearts will warm up and we will love Him again.