Love Jesus - Part II

Scripture/Bible: Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" 22 Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" 23 The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" 24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. 25 But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:20-25

Reflection: (Read yesterday’s reflection to understand the full meaning of today’s reflection.)   "Lord, what about this man?" Why did Peter ask the Lord this question concerning John the beloved Apostle? Is it because he felt that John met the important criteria of love so as to qualify and deserve an important posting in the Lord’s work and mission?

Seems to be true; for was John not a beloved disciple whom Jesus loved and who lay close to his breast at the most crucial moment in Jesus life. What is more, was he not the one who showed much concern for his neighbor when he made it a point to ask; "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?"

Yes, this disciple was the only one who seemed to have died a natural death at Ephesus. He is the one whom the Lord entrusted to his Mother and who took Mary home with him.  The greatest treasure that John could have was the mother of his master to care of.  This privilege he has enjoyed primarily on account of his being the beloved of Jesus, who loved the Lord much and even follows him, like Mary, to the cross.

It is to this John that one attributes the 4^th Gospel, the three epistles and the book of Revelations.  

From John’s writings about the life of Jesus we have an extraordinary insight into the life of Christ, which none of the other evangelist have produced.  From him we learn in a special way that Jesus is the eternal word of God who was always with the Father.  

John brings out the most beautiful insights into the role and life of Mary and her role in the church. I am confident that this insights have been greatly nourished by Mary's presence in his life.

Take Mary home with you as John did and you will never regret, as you will be still a great instrument of the Lord as John was. His proclamation of the Gospel still continues to make a great impact on the lives of the millions.

Prayer:  Lord that I may know you and your love for me and thus respond to you with undying fidelity.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us