From a “Son of Thunder” to “a Disciple Whom Jesus Loves”
One of the most peculiar details about John’s gospel is the way he referred to himself. In John 13:23, he referred to himself as a disciple “whom Jesus loved” (see also 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20). Although it would be a bit clunky, the phrase could be translated as a disciple “whom Jesus is continually loving,” emphasizing the ongoing reality of the verb. John came to know that Christ was actively loving and cherishing him, holding him in the highest esteem, treasuring him, and delighting in him greatly. John came to see himself in light of who Jesus is and His affections for him. However, this progression of John’s identity took place over time.
When we first meet the apostle John in the gospels, Jesus refers to him as a “Son of Thunder” (Mark 3:17) indicating something about his temperament and worldly ambitions. At one point, John was ready to call fire out of heaven to consume those that didn’t welcome Christ (Luke 9:54). At another, he was ready to champion himself over his fellow apostles (Mark 10:37). Such fiery temperaments and ambitions characterize men of the world. They see themselves as having to obtain a name, status, and dominion for themselves. But once John discovered his gospel identity, everything changed, and he became a new man.
John came to see himself simply as “a disciple whom Jesus loves.” There can be no higher title given to a person. To be loved by the highest person to the highest degree is the highest status anyone can have. He lost his name in Jesus, like a bride who takes her husband’s name. That which enabled John to love others was discovering who he was in Christ.
The Highest Title
Judas saw Jesus as a means to a greater end. He never gave up his worldly ambition. However, John saw the affections of Jesus as the greatest end of life. And rightly so for, when all is said and done, we must all stand before Him. All authority, resources, and personal destinies are in His hands. This reality makes His loving affections toward a person the greatest treasure in this life and throughout eternity.
John came to understand that Jesus’ kind affections are toward all who hear Him. This is the gospel. His love is freely given. His delight in us isn’t earned. It isn’t the result of a lifelong pursuit, but the foundation for it. His people can seek to please Him because they are already pleasing to Him, evidenced by His choice of them in bringing the gospel near to them.
John’s whole identity was tied up in being loved by Jesus. All other details about his life were irrelevant to this lofty title of being “a disciple whom Jesus loves.” Regardless of who you are, you can be “a disciple whom Jesus loves” by embracing the gospel. When you come to believe that the Magnificent One of Heaven loves you to the profoundest degree possible, you will be transformed and equipped to live for His glory. To love like Jesus begins with knowing that you are loved by Jesus.
Can you imagine having the same title as the apostle John? Find your identity in Christ and you will. Are you content with being “a disciple whom Jesus loves”? If you need more, you have merely assented to the truth, but you do not trust in it. John went from “Son of Thunder,” a hot-headed man driven by worldly pursuits, to a peaceful, satisfied soul driven by laying down his life for God’s glory. And so does everyone else who lets the gospel shape who they are. Sin enslaves people to live for themselves. Christ redeems people so that they can live for God’s glory.
Gospel Identity: What am I to do?
In his gospel, John answers one of the most basic questions of humanity, “Who am I?” If you believe the gospel, you are “a disciple whom Jesus loves.” In his first epistle, he answers another basic question of life, “What am I supposed to do?” In other words, given the fact that we are loved by the Highest in Heaven to the highest degree, how should this reality impact the way we live? John provides the answer in Chapter 5,
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world– our faith. 5 Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:1-5)
What are the believers in Christ supposed to do? The answer is in verse 4. Overcome the world! That is to say, they are to be overcoming every challenge to live for God’s glory. Among the greatest challenges facing us is to love one another as Christ did. It goes against the inner workings of our fleshly desires. But John makes two things clear in this passage. First, there are people who are overcoming the world. Second, there is a faith that has overcome the world.
What is the difference between true Christians and non-Christians? One has faith in God, the kind that overcomes the world, the other does not. John shows us the difference that genuine faith makes.
For more on having your identity settled in Christ, including references, sources, and how important this is in your marriage, see Reigning Together: A Christ-Exalting Marriage, Chapter 2 and Appendix 2, available on Amazon.
