Yesterday, I wrote a little about the interaction of John leaning against Jesus' bosom in chapter thirteen of his gospel. He chooses to focus on the theme of love. Gary Burge comments on this account by stating “This is not a sentimental attachment Jesus expects among his followers. Rather, this is love that translates into a decision to act in profound ways. This is why John chooses to include some of His most loving acts toward His people. He also gives his commands to love that John chooses to emphasize in his account. John’s gospel is where the reader learns of God’s great love for the world (3:16), His mission to save it (4:42), and to give the world light and love (6:33 and 12:46.) Jesus then commands his disciples to show their true loyalty by going out into the world and meeting the needs of the people (17:18, 20:21).
Although John’s gospel can be summarized as a proclamation to believe in the Son of God, John is also known for telling the world of God’s love. I believe it is from this one event that he speaks from experience. I’m sure there are many times when John experienced Jesus’ love first hand. But, out of all of the events John chose to highlight, This is the one that I experience Jesus love for myself.
With any love relationship comes a certain amount of heartbreak. Otherwise, you would know right away that you never really loved someone. John had every right after Jesus’ death to forget him in an effort to not open up the heartbreak of losing his dearest friend. He could have denied His existence. He could have chosen not to invest in Peter’s life, the person whom he is cited to be paired with on more than nine occasions. Instead, he chooses to carry on Jesus’ work and start a church based on those lessons. The love that John is talking about is not a feeling. Love is only love when it is translated into action.
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