Why study the life of John?
Some follow Jesus with their minds.
Others, with emotion.
But John followed Him with his heart.
John was not the most impulsive, nor the most rational. He was the closest.
He stood beside Jesus in moments of glory… and in moments of pain.
He leaned his head on the Master’s chest and was the only one of the twelve who remained at the cross.
Studying John is discovering that love transforms character,
and that closeness to Christ produces a life that shines—even in exile.
Brief Biography
Name: John (Yôḥānān in Hebrew, meaning “The Lord has been gracious”)
Father: Zebedee
Mother: Likely Salome
Brother: James (James the Greater)
Original profession: Fisherman on the Sea of Galilee
Birth: Around 6–10 A.D.
Death: Around 100 A.D., possibly in Ephesus, of natural causes
Marital status: No mention of wife or children in the Bible
What was happening in the world during John’s life?
- The Roman Empire ruled with power. John lived under emperors like Tiberius, Nero, and Domitian.
- The early Church was persecuted, especially under Nero and Domitian.
- In India, Hinduism and Buddhism continued to expand.
- In China, the Han dynasty was thriving, with major scientific and commercial advances.
- In the Americas, cultures like the Zapotec, Nazca, and Moche flourished, known for their agriculture, architecture, and religious life.
- In Greece and Asia Minor, philosophical thought still deeply influenced the culture.
In a world hostile to Christians, God preserved John to write eternal words that would continue transforming hearts to this day.
Why is John important in the Bible?
Because he was:
- One of Jesus’ three closest disciples (along with Peter and James)
- A witness to intimate, key moments: the Transfiguration, the resurrection of Jairus’ daughter, and Gethsemane
- The only apostle present at the crucifixion (John 19:26)
- The author of five New Testament books:
- The Gospel of John
- 1, 2, and 3 John
- Revelation
- The Gospel of John
Through his writings, he reveals the depth of God’s love, the truth of the Word made flesh, and the glorious hope of what is to come.
What was his position in society?
John began as a young fisherman, part of a working-class family.
He had a strong personality (Jesus called him a “son of thunder” along with his brother—Mark 3:17).
But his life changed when he walked with Jesus.
He became a witness, a shepherd, a teacher, and a prophet.
Despite living in times of persecution, he lived to care for the Church and speak of eternal things.
What was his personality like?
John was:
- Passionate: At first, he asked for fire from heaven to fall on a village (Luke 9:54)
- Intimate: He was the one who leaned on Jesus’ chest at the Last Supper (John 13:23)
- Faithful: He stood at the cross when the others fled
- Transformed: From son of thunder to apostle of love
- Courageous and prophetic: He endured exile on the island of Patmos and received the vision of Revelation
His life teaches us that the love of Christ doesn’t just comfort—it shapes and transforms.
Why will he always be remembered?
Because he was the beloved disciple.
Because he loved Jesus deeply, and was loved by Him without reservation.
John will be remembered for:
- His vision of heaven in Revelation
- His unique portrayal of Jesus as the eternal Word
- His unwavering message that “God is love”
- His quiet faithfulness, never seeking the spotlight—just remaining present
What example can we learn from him?
- That closeness to Jesus transforms our character
- That true spirituality flows from deep love, not external noise
- That it’s better to stand at the cross in love than far away in pride
- That old age with Christ can be more fruitful than youth without Him
- That the disciple who loves will remain to the end
Key Verse
“We love because He first loved us.”
— 1 John 4:19 (NIV)
What was his relationship with Jesus like?
Close. Tender. Intimate.
- Jesus entrusted His mother to John at the cross (John 19:26–27)
- Let him see His glory on the mountaintop (Matthew 17:1)
- Revealed to him the end times on Patmos (Revelation 1)
John didn’t just know Jesus—he loved Him deeply and lived to make Him known.
What would John do today?
He would write letters full of love and truth.
He would walk with the broken.
He would pastor the forgotten.
And he would raise his voice boldly to proclaim that Christ is coming.
John would live close to the heart of Jesus… and lead others there too.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I want to love You like John did.
Teach me to stay close, to listen in the silence, and to follow You to the cross.
Make my heart tender like his, brave like his, and faithful like his.
And when many deny You, let me remain… near.
Amen.
To Meditate on This Week
- John 1:1–14 — Jesus, the eternal Word made flesh
- 1 John 4:7–21 — “God is love”
- Revelation 1 — John on Patmos: vision of the glorious Christ
“John didn’t just see Jesus… he loved Him to the end, and lived to make Him known.”
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