Saturday, December 23
The one Jesus loved
Scripture: Zechariah 1-2, Psalm 148, John 13
John 13:23 One of his disciples, the one Jesus loved, was at the table to the right of Jesus in a place of honor.
Observation
“The one Jesus loved.” That designation is repeated 5 times in the gospel of John (here, 19:26, 20:2, 21:7, 20). Scholars have debated to whom it refers, and the consensus is John, the son of Zebedee, author of this gospel. He is known as “the beloved disciple.”
This is not an arrogant claim, as if to say, “I am more loved than others.” Or an exclusive claim, as if to say, “I am the only one Jesus loved.” This is a statement of wonder, of a profound sense of gratitude for God’s grace. “What a wonder that I should be loved by Jesus!”
John understood himself to be the one Jesus loved. Not the only one. Not the one loved most. But the one Jesus loved. Consequently, he lived full on for Jesus his entire life, and was the apostle of love. Love was the theme of his life.
Application
I am the one Jesus loved.
So are you.
Today, I’m going to repeat this to myself as a reminder that I am a beloved disciple. Jesus loves me.
Karl Barth, arguably the most influential theologian of the 20th century, was once asked what was the most profound thing he learned in all his studies. He replied, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”
Here is the most important thing I can know today: I am the one Jesus loved.
That’s how I’ll live today: as the beloved disciple. And treat others as the same.
Prayer: Jesus, I have no words to thank You for loving me like You do. I offer my life today to You in profound gratitude. Thank You for choosing me, calling me, saving me, loving me. I owe You everything.