Lesson From the Life of John: The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved
Stephen begins his message by emphasizing the deep love that Jesus had for his disciples, specifically highlighting John as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." He points out that this phrase, appearing five times in the Gospel of John, reveals John's desire not to exalt himself, but rather to highlight his identity as one who was loved by Jesus.
Stephen then explores the nature of Jesus' love, acknowledging that while Jesus loves all his followers equally, there is a special intimacy experienced by those who, like John, choose to abide in Him. He uses the analogy of his own family, where his grandmother loved all the children equally, but had a special closeness with the youngest who was particularly responsive to her love.
Drawing a parallel to the disciples, Stephen suggests that those who are closest to Jesus, who listen to Him and respond to His love, are the ones who experience a deeper level of intimacy with Him. He emphasizes that this is not due to partiality on Jesus' part, but rather a natural consequence of their responsiveness to His love.
Stephen then delves into the life of John, highlighting his journey from being a disciple of John the Baptist to becoming a devoted follower of Jesus. He notes John's reserved and contemplative nature, contrasting it with the boldness of his brother James, and emphasizes how their differing temperaments were used by God to complement each other. He further underscores John's steadfast love for Jesus, evident in his presence at the crucifixion and his long life dedicated to serving Christ.
Stephen concludes by urging his listeners to strive not merely to be disciples of Jesus, but to be disciples who are intimately loved by Him. He stresses the importance of abiding in Christ, emphasizing that as we remain in fellowship with Him, His words will come alive in our hearts, enabling us to bear fruit and glorify the Father.
Outline:
- Introduction: The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved
- John's identity as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" reflects his humility and desire to exalt Jesus.
- The Nature of Jesus' Love
- Jesus loves all His followers equally, but there is a special intimacy reserved for those who abide in Him.
- Analogy of Stephen's grandmother loving all her children but having special closeness with the youngest.
- Those who are closest to Jesus, who listen and respond to His love, experience a deeper intimacy with Him.
- The Life of John
- John's journey from disciple of John the Baptist to devoted follower of Jesus.
- John's reserved and contemplative nature contrasted with James' boldness.
- How their different temperaments were used by God to complement each other.
- John's steadfast love for Jesus evident in his presence at the crucifixion and his long life of service.
- The Secret of John's Intimacy with Jesus
- Abiding in Christ: Making our home in Him, maintaining uninterrupted communion with Him.
- As we abide, His words come alive in our hearts, enabling us to bear fruit and glorify the Father.
- A Call to Be Disciples Whom Jesus Loves
- Strive not merely to be disciples, but to be intimately loved by Jesus.
- Embrace the importance of abiding in Christ to experience the fullness of His love.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
