John the Beloved Disciple

As We Find Him in the Gospel According to John
ISBN: 978-1853070150

Overview

John the Beloved Disciple by H. Bouter explores the unique relationship between Jesus and the disciple John as portrayed in the Gospel of John. Known as the "disciple whom Jesus loved," John’s close connection with Christ offers deep insights into the intimacy, loyalty, and transformation possible through fellowship with the Savior. Bouter’s work identifies five key lessons from John’s relationship with Jesus, from understanding divine love to walking in newness of life through resurrection power. Additionally, the book delves into John's spiritual journey, showing how his fervent character as a "Son of Thunder" was transformed through grace, making him a model for Christian discipleship. This thoughtful study provides valuable lessons for believers aspiring to draw nearer to Christ and reflect His love in daily life.

Although the Lord appointed twelve disciples or apostles, three of them were especially privileged: Peter, James and John. They were among the first disciples and were called by the Lord to have a special place in His presence. He allowed them to follow Him into the house of Jairus, to watch His power over death and the grave (Mark 5:37ff.). He took them with Him on the mount of the transfiguration, to see the kingdom of God present with power (Mark 9:1-13). He answered their questions concerning the destruction of the temple with a discourse on the last days (Mark 13:3ff.). These three disciples were also with Him in the garden of Gethsemane, where they should have watched with Him in prayer (Mark 14:32ff.). Thus they witnessed special events, and were in more than one respect "eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Pet. 1:16). They beheld His glory (John 1:14). James and John were brothers, sons of Zebedee, to whom the Lord gave the name Boanerges, that is, "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17). This tells us something about their character. Always ready to defend their Master's honour, they were even prepared to command fire to come down from heaven on the Samaritans who did not receive Jesus into their homes (Luke 9:49ff.). Apparently, these disciples had strong, ambitious characters. This is also evident from their wish to occupy the first places on the right and left hand of the Lord once the Kingdom would be revealed in glory (Matt. 20:21; Mark 10:35-37). These incidents do not exactly arouse our sympathy for James and John. The meaning of John's name - "the Lord is gracious" or "the Lord has shown grace" - seems a complete contradiction of his character as a "Son of Thunder". Yet, the Lord loved him and taught him in the school of grace. It is safe to assume that the beloved disciple changed in the Lord's presence. His eyes must have opened more and more to the greatness of God's grace and love as these were so uniquely brought to light in the Son of God's love (John 1:14-18; 3:16). Among these three disciples whom the Lord took aside so often, John enjoyed a very special place as the Lord's confidant, the disciple whom Jesus loved. Thus this beloved disciple is a model for all who follow the Lord. All have to learn from Him to become gentle and lowly in heart (Matt. 11:29), in order to display a disposition totally different from our natural one.

Product Features

• Author: H. Bouter
• Publisher: Chapter Two
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Language: English
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 62
• ISBN-10: 1853070157
• ISBN-13: 978-1853070150
• Item Weight: 505 g
• Publication Date: 1998

Highlights

• In-Depth Study on Discipleship: Offers a close examination of John's unique role as the Lord’s confidant and the spiritual lessons in his relationship with Jesus.
• Insights on Transformation through Grace: Analyzes how John’s fervent character was softened and refined in the presence of Christ.
• Exemplary Faith Model: Presents John’s discipleship as a powerful example of loyalty, humility, and growth through God’s love, inspiring readers to deepen their faith.

About the Author

H. Bouter is a respected biblical scholar known for his in-depth explorations of Scripture, focusing particularly on the lives of key biblical figures and their roles in the New Testament narrative.

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