I was reminded yesterday about an interesting statement found in the book of John. When John writes his book he takes the liberty to keep inserting the line, "The disciple whom Jesus loved." He uses this to describe one of the many disciples following the Master.
Which one you may ask? Himself.
He calls himself, "The disciple whom Jesus loved." (John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2)
What a statement.
I find it interesting because God also used John's hands to pen the passage that speaks to God's great love for all, "For God so loved the world..." (3:16)
So John was not unaware of the love of Christ toward all others. However, at the same time, John lived his life feeling the love of Jesus toward him personally. To John, God was more than just universal; he was personal.
I grew up across the road from my Grandparents. And as a kid I would go over to their house nearly everyday. When I would go over my Grandparents house they always had a unique ability to make me feel as if I was everything to them, even though I knew that I wasn't their only grandchild.
God has that kind of ability.
In ministry, we live our lives showing others the great love of Jesus toward them. But let us never forget the greatest expression of his love was shown to us personally!
When I look around I see God's love for others, however, the most powerful expression I have of God's love is not found in the life of anyone else. It is what he has done in my life that is most powerful to me.
I am "The disciple whom Jesus Loved."
And so are you.
So, as we put the pen to our page of life today, may we join John and see ourselves as the one who is most loved by the master.
"The disciple whom Jesus Loved."
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