Keys to the Kingdom By Carolyn Tucker
Why John?
The Love Test: When serving dessert, love will always give the other person the biggest portion. I wouldn’t have any trouble giving my friend the biggest piece of raisin pie, but I’m pretty sure I’d give myself the biggest piece of French Silk. I’m just being honest.
When Jesus was dying on the cross in excruciating pain, his mind was not on himself. He knew His death would accomplish the final sacrifice for the sins of mankind. He also knew that His widowed mother would need someone to deeply love her and take care of her. John (the apostle of love) was the only disciple standing near the cross witnessing the crucifixion. Through eyes of compassion, Jesus saw His precious mother Mary also standing by the cross with three other devoted women. The first words Jesus spoke from the cross were addressed to His heart-broken mother: “When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple He loved, He said to her, ‘Dear woman, here is your son.’ And He said to His disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from then on this disciple took her into his home“ (John 19:26 NLT).
Jesus entrusted John to take care of Mary. But why John? Why not Peter, James, or any of the other eight disciples? Well, for one thing, they were all absent. Since John didn’t quit, run away, or hide from the crucifixion, his actions proved that he was compelled by love. He truly understood Jesus’ teachings on love. John grasped the fact that Jesus loved him deeply, even though he was not perfect in everything he did. Therefore, John was chosen to take Mary into his home and provide for her. Jesus wanted his mother to be cared for by someone who knew how to receive and give love.
John was not AWOL at the crucifixion. He didn’t choose the easy route and cop out because he allowed love to compel him to do the right thing. Also, God needed John the Beloved to write about what he experienced and witnessed. We’ll never know how many people have surrendered their lives to Jesus due to reading the Gospel of John. Through his authorship of the Gospel of John, the Epistles of 1 John, 2 John, 3, John, and the Book of Revelation, we have a clearer understanding of faith, truth, hope, and love.
In his writings, John referred to himself as, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” John 13:23 NLT: “The disciple Jesus loved was sitting next to Jesus at the table.” John 20:2 NLT: “She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved…” John 21:7 NLT: “Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It’s the Lord!’ As believers, we too, can say with confidence, “I am the disciple whom Jesus dearly loves.” God is no respecter of persons; we believe that because of Peter‘s message in Acts 10:34 NLT: “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism.” What joy to be loved like this!
As a disciple of Christ, John experienced and understood the importance and power of the love of God. “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face Him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world” (1 John 4:16-17 NLT). This would be a lovely scripture to memorize.
The Key: With much love, John always gave Mary the biggest piece of pie.