Why Did Jesus Love John The Most?
The special relationship between Jesus Christ and John the apostle has intrigued Christians for centuries. John’s own writings provide intimate glimpses into their close friendship, leading many to wonder what drew Jesus so close to this particular disciple.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Jesus loved John the most because of John’s youthful devotion, receptiveness to Jesus’ teaching, and unwavering loyalty.
John’s Youthful Enthusiasm
John was one of Jesus’ youngest disciples
John was one of the youngest of Jesus’ 12 disciples. Most scholars believe he was likely in his late teens or early 20s when he began following Jesus. His youthful energy and enthusiasm clearly impressed Jesus, who gave John the nickname “Son of Thunder.”
While the other disciples were older men with families and occupations, John was just starting out in life. He brought a fresh perspective and eagerness to learn that Jesus appreciated. As an unmarried young man with fewer earthly responsibilities, John had more freedom and availability to be mentored by Jesus.
John’s youth also suggests he would have been less set in his ways. He was open to Jesus’ radical new teachings in a way some of the older disciples struggled with. Jesus invested deeply in John, knowing that shaping him while he was young would allow John to carry on Jesus’ message for decades to come.
John lived to be nearly 100 years old and wrote one of the four Gospels, three epistles, and the book of Revelation.
Jesus appreciated John’s energy and curiosity
In addition to his youth, John brought an energetic, curious spirit to his discipleship. Along with his brother James, John was eager to follow Jesus closely. This is seen when James and John approach Jesus with the bold request to sit at his right and left hand in glory (Mark 10:35-37).
Their desire to be near Jesus and willingness to ask big questions impressed him.
John’s curiosity led him to engage Jesus deeply through conversations. John is depicted leaning on Jesus and asking him questions at the Last Supper (John 13:23-25). Jesus loved answering John’s sincere questions and valued his desire to go deeper.
He knew John truly wanted to understand Jesus’ purpose and mission on earth.
John’s Receptiveness to Jesus’ Message
John took Jesus’ words to heart
John was known as the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 13:23). This close relationship allowed John to fully embrace Jesus’ teachings in a way the other disciples did not. When Jesus spoke of complex spiritual truths, John soaked them in like a sponge.
He looked beyond the surface meaning of Christ’s words to grasp the deeper truths.
For example, when Jesus said believers must be “born again,” Nicodemus was confused by the literal meaning (John 3:1-15). But John understood that Jesus meant a spiritual rebirth. While the other disciples argued about who was the greatest among them, John humbly served others, demonstrating his understanding of Jesus’ model of servant leadership (Luke 22:24-27).
John intimately knew Jesus’ heart. At the Last Supper, John was close enough to Jesus to lean his head on Jesus’ chest and hear him identify Judas as the betrayer (John 13:23-26). This reveals John’s childlike trust in Christ. His receptiveness allowed him to experience Jesus’ love in a profound way.
John envisioned Jesus’ kingdom on earth
Because John embraced Jesus’ teachings, he was able to catch a vision for building God’s kingdom on earth. Jesus described this kingdom in parables and metaphors that required spiritual discernment to grasp (Matthew 13:10-17). John exhibited this discernment in his Gospel and letters.
For example, John described eternal life not just as something we experience after death, but a present reality in Christ (John 17:3). He explained that God’s love perfected in us empowers us to love one another (1 John 4:12).
John taught that kingdom living means walking as Jesus walked in love, light, and truth (1 John 1:5-7).
John understood that Jesus’ kingdom encompassed all of life. He applied kingdom principles not just to religious practices but also to social relationships. His vision of God’s kingdom shaped the early church community he led, known for its love and unity.
Because John wholeheartedly embraced Jesus’ message, he gained spiritual insight to live out the kingdom on earth. His receptive heart allowed him to exemplify Jesus’ life and teachings in a powerful way.
John’s Loyalty and Sacrifice
John remained at Jesus’ side at the crucifixion
Of all the disciples, John demonstrated perhaps the greatest loyalty to Jesus during his ministry and crucifixion. According to the Gospel accounts, John was one of the few disciples that remained at Jesus’ side as he was crucified on the cross (John 19:26-27).
While most of the other disciples fled in fear, John bravely stayed and accompanied Jesus in his suffering. He remained present even as Jesus uttered his final words, committing his mother Mary into John’s care.
John’s steadfast loyalty contrasts with Judas’ betrayal and Peter’s denial, showing John’s devotion even in Jesus’ darkest hour.
John’s loyalty extended beyond the crucifixion as well. Along with a few women, John was one of the few followers of Jesus who watched his burial and knew the location of his tomb (John 19:38-42). This showcases John’s commitment to honoring Jesus even after his death.
While others abandoned Jesus after his execution, John continued caring for him until the very end. This depth of loyalty helps explain why Jesus loved him greatly.
John risked persecution to spread Jesus’ message
After Jesus’ death, John courageously helped spread his message despite the risk of persecution. All the disciples faced danger in promoting the controversial teachings of their crucified leader. However, John stood out for directly challenging established authorities and boldly proclaiming Christian beliefs.
According to tradition, John was arrested with Peter and fearlessly preached about Jesus before the Jewish Sanhedrin (Acts 4:1-22). He also refused to stop teaching even when commanded by the council. Such courage suggests why Jesus loved John’s brave spirit.
John continued boldly spreading the Gospel for decades after Jesus’ death. Under the Roman emperor Domitian, he was exiled to the island of Patmos around AD 95 for proclaiming his faith (Revelation 1:9).
However, not even imprisonment could silence John from writing Revelation and letters to early Christians. His perseverance against outside pressure demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Jesus’ message.
Unlike others who compromised their beliefs when facing conflict, John stayed devoted to the truth – a loyalty Jesus likely admired.
John’s Intimate Portrayal of Jesus
John captured Jesus’ teachings and character
John provides an intimate glimpse into Jesus’ ministry and message. As one of Jesus’ closest disciples, John recounts lengthy dialogues and details that highlight Christ’s divine teachings and sinless character.
For example, John includes Jesus’ lengthy Bread of Life discourse (John 6:22-59), his encounters with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman that reveal Jesus’ knowledge of hearts (John 3-4), and his tender interactions with Mary and Martha (John 11).
Throughout his account, John seeks to demonstrate Jesus’ compassion and grace in the face of hostility and rejection. He shows how Jesus confronted religious hypocrisy and self-righteousness while extending mercy to outcasts and sinners.
As one scholar notes, “John is intent on showing that God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but to save it” (source). This theme culminates in Jesus’ high priestly prayer, where he intercedes for His followers and those who will later believe through their message (John 17).
John conveyed Jesus’ divine nature
A key theme in John’s gospel is demonstrating Jesus’ divine identity as the eternal Son of God. Through his seven distinctive “I am” statements, Jesus explicitly claims divinity by applying God’s covenant name (Exodus 3:14) to Himself.
For example, Jesus calls Himself “the bread of life” (6:35), “the light of the world” (8:12), and “the good shepherd” (10:11), among others.
Additionally, John refers to Jesus as “the Word” (Logos) who preexisted creation and “became flesh and dwelt among us” (1:14). According to Old Testament scholar John Piper, this title for Christ encompasses the creative power of God and His self-expression or wisdom.
By using this meaningful term, John emphasizes Jesus’ eternal deity even while highlighting His humanity. Throughout his gospel, John continues to point to Christ’s glory and oneness with the Father (10:30).
Conclusion
In the end, Jesus loved John profoundly for his youthful devotion, receptive spirit, steadfast loyalty, and intimate understanding. Their close relationship stands as a model of the love Jesus feels for all who open their hearts fully to him.
