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John, The Apostle Whom Jesus Loved

The Apostle John was known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” John was loved by Jesus for several reasons. As followers of Christ, can we say that we are disciples whom Jesus loves? Why was John so loved?

HE KNEW WHO JESUS WAS
It was John who recorded by inspiration, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). John understood that Jesus was Deity. So many, during Jesus' time did not know who he was. Jesus asked disciples on one occasion, “Whom do men say that I am?” They responded by saying, “Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elijah; and others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets” (Matthew 16:14). There was so much confusion concerning Christ. John had no problems recognizing Christ for who he was. He was God.

HE LOVED THE TRUTH
John recorded the words of Jesus when Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). John, when writing to the well, beloved Gauis said, “For I rejoice greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth” (3 John 1:3). John understood the power of the truth. He knew in order to be pleasing to God and to be a friend of the Lord, he must continue to walk in truth.
If we want to be disciples who are loved by Jesus, let us walk in the truth. It is the truth that will make us free from our sins, and nothing else.

HE SPENT TIME WITH JESUS
It is almost impossible to love someone with whom you never spend time. John was one of the disciples in Jesus' inner circle. When Jesus was transfigured on the mount, John was present. When Jesus went to Gethsemene, John was there. While Jesus hung on the cross at Calvary, John was at the foot of the cross. Jesus loved John because John spent quality time with the Lord.
We, too, can be disciples that Jesus loves if we would spend more time with Jesus. We can spend time with him through studying and reading the word. Peter penned, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). In order to be like Jesus, we must know about Jesus. The only way we will learn about Jesus, is by reading and studying the record of his life. The more we spend time with Christ, the more we will learn to love and appreciate him.
There is no better compliment a disciple of Christ can receive from the master teacher than hearing he/she is loved by the Lord. If we want to be loved by Christ, we must do the same things John did. He understood who Jesus was. He was a lover of the truth. He spent quality time with the Lord. Do these things and Jesus will love you, and you will love him even more.

-K.A. Pugh