John: The Apostle: Present at the Crucifixion
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John, the Apostle, also known as John the Beloved, holds a significant place in the New Testament as one of Jesus Christ's closest disciples. He is traditionally identified as the author of the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation. Among the Twelve Apostles, John is uniquely noted for his presence at the crucifixion of Jesus, a moment of profound theological and emotional significance.

Presence at the Crucifixion

John's presence at the crucifixion is a testament to his deep devotion and loyalty to Jesus. According to the Gospel of John, he was the only one of the Twelve Apostles who stood by Jesus during His crucifixion. This is recorded in John 19:25-27 : "Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and her sister, as well as Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, 'Woman, here is your son.' Then He said to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.' So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home."

This passage highlights several key aspects of John's character and role:

1. The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved: John is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved," indicating a special bond between him and the Lord. This unique relationship is underscored by Jesus entrusting the care of His mother, Mary, to John. This act not only demonstrates Jesus' love and trust for John but also John's reliability and faithfulness.

2. Courage and Loyalty: John's presence at the crucifixion, when many others had fled, showcases his courage and steadfastness. Despite the danger and the fear that gripped the followers of Jesus during His arrest and trial, John remained close to his Master, providing a model of unwavering loyalty and love.

3. Role as a Caretaker: By entrusting Mary to John, Jesus established a new familial relationship, symbolizing the formation of a new spiritual family among His followers. John's acceptance of this responsibility reflects his obedience and willingness to serve, embodying the Christian call to love and care for one another.

4. Eyewitness Testimony: John's firsthand account of the crucifixion provides a vivid and personal perspective on the events surrounding Jesus' death. His presence at the cross lends authenticity and depth to his Gospel narrative, offering insights into the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the redemptive work of Christ.

Theological Implications

John's presence at the crucifixion carries profound theological implications. It emphasizes the themes of love, sacrifice, and the establishment of a new covenant community. By standing at the foot of the cross, John witnessed the culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry and the ultimate act of divine love and redemption. His role in these events underscores the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice and the call to discipleship marked by love, service, and faithfulness.

In summary, John the Apostle's presence at the crucifixion is a pivotal moment that highlights his unique relationship with Jesus, his courage and loyalty, and his role in the early Christian community. His eyewitness testimony provides a crucial link between the historical events of the crucifixion and the theological truths that continue to shape Christian faith and practice.
Nave's Topical Index
John 19:26,27
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he said to his mother, Woman, behold your son!
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Life and Character of John
... He alone of all the disciples was present at the ... I. The Son of Thunder and the Apostle
of Love. I quote some excellent remarks on the character of John from my ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 41 life and character.htm

Excursus on the Present Teaching of the Latin and Greek Churches ...
... John the apostle has taught in the Revelation ... figments and inventions of men, as
the Apostle testifies when ... the images, making them by this means present to our ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the present teaching.htm

The Gospel According to St. John
... to witness the raising of Jairus' daughter, and to be present at the ... is never mentioned,
but there are several references to an apostle whose name is not ... John. ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter vi the gospel according.htm

The Progress of the Gospel from the Death of Christ to the Death ...
... original significance; and hence, when an apostle died, the ... Herod "killed James,
the brother of John, with the ... It would seem that, during his present visit, as ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iv the progress of.htm

The Author's Life.
... he is included in those said to be present at the ... Concerning the length of the period
John spent in this section ... He is described as the apostle of love, who in ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the authors life.htm

The Epistles of St. John
... Epistle we find mentioned or implied a present and a ... presbyter, and perhaps a bishop
appointed by the apostle. ... John appointed bishops in Asia, and there is no ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xxiii the epistles of.htm

The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Ratification of the ...
... each writer made some contribution to our present theme: Peter and Paul, James,
John, and Jude ... The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian saints, "I thank ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/iii the redeemers return is.htm

The Gospel of John
... did not anticipate the coming of an apostle among them ... Moreover we infer from
21:19 that John knew of the ... his Gnomon infers from the use of the present tense in ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of john.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by John.
... is in the present tense, and denotes a present and a ... And did not the Apostle John
54e to see the germs of ... of Christ, as also of the crucifixion and resurrection ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter ix entire sanctification as.htm

John.
... the greatest scholars and keenest critics, from Origen down to the present time,
have ... without a shadow of doubt that it was the work of John the Apostle. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 83 john.htm

Resources
What does it mean that believers do not continue to sin (1 John 3:6; 5:18)? | GotQuestions.org

In what way was John the Baptist the greatest (Matthew 11:11)? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about John | GotQuestions.org

John: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

John

John Mark

John the Apostle

John the Baptist

John: A Nazarite

John: A Relative of Annas the High Priest

John: Affected Probably by the Doctrines of the Stoics

John: Baptizes Jesus

John: Character of

John: Herod Antipas Falsely Supposes Jesus to Be

John: His Influence Upon the Public Mind

John: His Ministry not Attested by Miracles

John: Jesus Discourses Upon

John: Lives in the Desert

John: Ministry of

John: Miraculous Birth of

John: Mission of

John: Reproves Herod Antipas on Account of his Incest; Herod Imprisons Him, and Beheads Him

John: Sends Two Disciples to Jesus

John: Teaches his Disciples to Fast

John: Teaches his Disciples to Pray

John: Testifies to the Messiahship of Jesus

John: The Apostle is Intrusted With the Care of Mary, Mother of Jesus

John: The Apostle is Present With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

John: The Apostle: A Pillar of the Ekklesia (Body of Christ)

John: The Apostle: Civil Ambitions of

John: The Apostle: Imprisoned by the Rulers of the Jews

John: The Apostle: Intimately Associated With Jesus

John: The Apostle: Intolerance of

John: The Apostle: Lives in Jerusalem

John: The Apostle: Prepares the Passover Meal

John: The Apostle: Present at the Crucifixion

John: The Apostle: Present at the Gravesite of Jesus

John: The Apostle: Present at the Trial of Jesus Which Took Place in Front of the High Priest

John: The Apostle: Present when Jesus Revealed Himself at the Lake Galilee

John: The Apostle: Present With Peter in the Temple Courtyard

John: The Apostle: Prophecy Concerning

John: The Apostle: Sent by the Jerusalem Congregation With the Commission to Samaria

John: The Apostle: The Epistles of John

John: The Apostle: The healing of Peter's mother-in-law

John: The Apostle: The raising of the daughter of Jairus

John: The Apostle: The transfiguration

John: The Apostle: The two catches of fish

John: The Apostle: Writes his Apocalyptic Vision from Patmos Island

John: The Baptist: Prophecies Concerning

John: The Testimony of Jesus Concerning (See Below, Jesus Discourses Upon)

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John: The Apostle: Prepares the Passover Meal
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