Topical Bible: The Love of Christ: Exemplified Towards: John

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The love of Christ towards John, often referred to as the "disciple whom Jesus loved," is a profound example of the personal and intimate relationship that Jesus had with His followers. This relationship is highlighted in several key passages throughout the New Testament, illustrating the depth and nature of Christ's love.

1. The Calling of John:

John, the son of Zebedee and brother of James, was called by Jesus to be one of His disciples. This calling is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew: "Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him" (Matthew 4:21-22). The immediate response of John to Jesus' call reflects the compelling nature of Christ's love and authority.

2. The Transfiguration:

John was one of the three disciples chosen by Jesus to witness His transfiguration, a pivotal moment that revealed His divine glory. "After six days, Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them" (Matthew 17:1-2). This event signifies the special place John held in Jesus' ministry and the trust Jesus placed in him.

3. The Last Supper:

During the Last Supper, John is depicted as reclining next to Jesus, indicating a close and affectionate relationship. "One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side" (John 13:23). This intimate setting underscores the personal bond between Jesus and John, highlighting the love and trust Jesus had for him.

4. At the Cross:

The love of Christ for John is poignantly demonstrated at the crucifixion. As Jesus hung on the cross, He entrusted the care of His mother, Mary, to John. "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" (John 19:26-27). This act of entrusting His mother to John signifies a deep level of trust and love.

5. The Resurrection:

John was one of the first disciples to reach the empty tomb after the resurrection of Jesus. "So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first" (John 20:3-4). John's eagerness to reach the tomb reflects his devotion and love for Christ.

6. The Revelation:

The love of Christ for John is further exemplified in the Revelation given to him on the island of Patmos. John is chosen to receive and record the visions of the end times, as seen in the opening of the Book of Revelation: "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon come to pass. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John" (Revelation 1:1). This revelation underscores the continued trust and love Christ had for John, even after His ascension.

Throughout these events, the love of Christ towards John is consistently demonstrated through acts of trust, intimacy, and revelation. John's unique relationship with Jesus serves as a testament to the personal and transformative love that Christ extends to His followers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 13:23
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Trial of Peter's Love to Christ.
... This temper, and its opposite, are exemplified in the pharisee and publican ... things,
evidential of the reality and strength of his love to Christ, Simon might ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xiii the trial of.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... through faith, [793]304; to be known in the world by their mutual love, [794]ib ... Gluttony,
power of, exemplified in those who would have made Christ a King ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Of the Incarnation of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which the Platonists ...
... should give us the hope of His love, by means of ... shall be everlasting, and of a nature
exemplified in the ... school of Plato to the discipleship of Christ, who by ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 29 of the incarnation of.htm

The Lord Coming to his Temple
... The purport of this passage has been repeatedly exemplified under the Christian
dispensation. ... He is constrained by love, the love of Christ and the love of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon iv the lord coming.htm

Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians.
... paternal, [302]82; must be centered in one, [303]146; exemplified in a ... 469]153; overcame
Satan, [470]161; the intensity of his love to Christ, [471]161 ...
/.../homilies on galatians and ephesians.htm

The Unrevealed Future of the Sons of God
... The same process is exemplified in more sacred regions ... progress of the redeemed spirit
towards the vision ... brethren, all begins with this, love Christ and trust ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the unrevealed future of the.htm

Marcus, My Son
... a man like me cannot do for himself, and he does them all for love and nothing ... And
the law will be exemplified most blessedly when Christ shall say ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/marcus my son.htm

On Religion; the Natural and Divine Life; and the Exemplification ...
... principal object, is ordinarily termed faith in Jesus Christ. ... His love to God may
give him assurance of ... especially as they are perfectly exemplified in the ...
/.../scougal/the life of god in the soul of man/part i on religion the.htm

Of the Loving of God in Ourselves and Other Creatures...
... Again, God as a creator and cause of being is imperfectly exemplified in our parents;
and for that reason our ... True it is that the love of Christ will not ...
/.../chapter v of the loving.htm

An Address to a Soul So Overwhelmed with a Sense of the Greatness ...
... Which is accordingly exemplified in the concluding Reflection and ... do you in your
conscience think that Christ is not ... oppose all the purposes of his love to you ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xii an address to.htm