John’s story is told throughout the Gospels, Acts and Revelation
John – The Beloved Disciple
When we think of Jesus’ twelve disciples, one name stands out for being especially close to Him—John. Often called “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” John had a special place in Jesus’ life and ministry. Let’s take a closer look at who he was and why his story matters.
Called by Jesus
John was the son of Zebedee and the brother of James. Before following Jesus, he worked as a fisherman with his family. One day, while he and James were mending their fishing nets, Jesus walked by and called them to follow Him. They left everything behind and became two of His first disciples.
One of Jesus’ Closest Friends
John wasn’t just one of the twelve disciples—he was part of Jesus’ inner circle. Along with Peter and James, John got to witness important moments that others didn’t. He was there when Jesus raised a young girl from the dead, saw Jesus’ glory during the Transfiguration, and stayed close to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane the night He was arrested.
The Disciple of Love and Truth
John became known for his strong focus on love, light, and truth. These themes show up in the books he later wrote, including the Gospel of John and three short letters (1 John, 2 John, and 3 John). His deep understanding of Jesus’ love led many to call him “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”
At the Cross and the Empty Tomb
John was the only male disciple who stayed near Jesus during the crucifixion. While others ran away in fear, John stayed by the cross. Before Jesus died, He asked John to take care of His mother, Mary. Later, John was one of the first to see the empty tomb after Jesus rose from the dead.
A Long Life of Faith
Unlike many of the other disciples who died as martyrs, John lived to an old age. He was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he received visions from God and wrote the book of Revelation. Even in isolation, John remained faithful and continued to share God’s message with others.
What We Can Learn from John
John’s life teaches us about loyalty, love, and truth. He followed Jesus closely, even when it was hard. He loved deeply, both Jesus and others. And he boldly shared the truth about who Jesus is. John’s story encourages us to draw close to Jesus, to stay faithful, and to love with all our hearts.
Final Thoughts
John wasn’t perfect, but he was faithful. His friendship with Jesus changed his life—and his writings continue to help people understand God’s love today. Whether you’re new to the Bible or have read it many times, John’s story is a reminder that a close relationship with Jesus can lead to a life full of meaning, courage, and love.