John’s Bff

John’s BFF

Bible Blast: Read John 13:21-26

One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. John 13:23 (NIV)

The book of John is the only place that mentions “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” and most biblical scholars agree that it’s actually talking about John. Which is kind of funny because do you know who wrote the book of John? Any guesses? That’s right. John wrote it. So when John wrote “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” he was referring to himself.

Does that sound kind of conceited to you? Let’s keep looking at it. Several passages in the Bible suggest that although Jesus loved all of the disciples, he was a bit closer to Peter, James, and John. And in your Bible Blast (if you chose to read it), you read that John was actually leaning against Jesus! Can you imagine being so close to Jesus that you could actually feel his heartbeat?

John knew Jesus was the King of kings. He knew that for Jesus to live as a human on earth was a really big deal. He respected Jesus and honored his position. So for Jesus to actually be fantastic friends with John was a great privilege. When John called himself “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” he wasn’t bragging as if to say, “Look who I’m friends with!” He was humbly telling the world that this all-powerful King actually loves a human like John . . . and a human like you and a human like me.

John 19:26 describes Jesus on the cross just before his death. Jesus looks down and sees his mom, Mary, and his wonderful friend John. He tells his mom and John to take care of each other. Jesus must have thought a lot of John to trust him to be like a son to Mary.

Have you ever been around a person who made you feel as if you’re the most important person in the universe? I believe that’s how Jesus made John feel. In Jesus’ presence, John was consumed by a big love: the love of his Savior.

Girl Gab: For a moment, close your eyes and try to imagine what it would have been like to be John leaning against Jesus’ chest. What do you think you would have noticed about Jesus? Pray for each other that you would both have a greater sense of Jesus’ love for you.