One of my favorite disciples of Jesus is John. You may be familiar with him as he was the one who walked around 24/7 declaring that he was the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” Many may think this was an arrogant boast, but John was speaking truth.
Jesus DID love him. Yet, He also loved the other eleven disciples – even Judas who betrayed Him. It’s hard to imagine that Jesus could love someone who handed Him over to be crucified, but that’s the unconditional love of God.
So why was John so vocal about Jesus’ love for him? (John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2, 21:7) Was he trying to get attention? Was he wanting to rub it in his fellow apostles’ faces? Absolutely not! I believe John wanted them, as well as us who read his gospel and letters, to know this simple, yet life transforming truth.
You see, when you know that the Creator of the universe loves you, it changes your life. Don’t believe me? Just read about the lives of the apostles. Every single one of them lived a transformed life. Each one of them walked in God’s purpose for their lives, accomplishing great things.
Jesus didn’t play favorites with His followers and He doesn’t do so today. The Bible tells us that God is no respector of persons (Romans 2:11), meaning He does not love one of His children more than He does another.
Sometimes, to the “naked eye,” when we see other people being blessed while we await our breakthroughs, it can seem like this verse is not true. I can’t explain how or why God dispenses the blessings He does and I’m not about to question His wisdom.
But here’s what I do know. God is never going to run out of blessings. His heavenly warehouse is filled to the brim for those who love Him and diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). What moves God’s heart and hand? Our faith.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)
Faith is another word for trust. When we trust God with our whole hearts, it pleases Him. Look at the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34). What did Jesus say to her when she was healed?
“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.” (v. 34 emphasis mine)
Our pal John trusted Jesus implicitly. He was confident of how Jesus felt about him and was not afraid to shout it out to the world. The Bible also tells us that “perfect love casts out all fear” (1 John 4:18).
When you know that you are perfectly loved, fear is kicked to the curb. This is why the apostles could speak so boldly. They knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were perfectly loved, as are we.
This week, I’d like to encourage you to read John’s gospel and his letters where he talks about the love that God has for each of us. Then as we approach Christmas Day, you’ll have a better understanding of why God sent His Son into the world and like John, you’ll want to tell everyone you know that “you are the one Jesus loves.”