The four Gospels tell the story of Jesus: His life, teachings, death, and resurrection. But the Gospels also tell the stories of the men and women who followed Him. The story of John, one of the twelve disciples, is traced through all four Gospel accounts, and is a story of beautiful transformation in the heart of someone who followed Him.
A fisherman by trade, John was the brother of James, the son of Zebedee (Mark 1:19–20). Paul describes him as a “pillar” of the church (Galatians 2:9). He wrote the Gospel of John, the books of 1, 2, and 3 John, and Revelation. Within the pages of the book of John, he is referred to as a beloved disciple, or “the one Jesus loved” (John 13:23; 20:2).
John was one of three disciples who witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9:2–3). Along with James and Peter, John saw a truly extraordinary event: Jesus transformed into His heavenly person, clothed all in white. The passage in Mark 9 echoes back to Moses’s encounter with God, when he came down from Mount Sinai and his face was still shining “as a result of his speaking with the LORD” (Exodus 34:29). Having been there from early on in Jesus’s earthly ministry, John knew Jesus was God’s beloved Son (Matthew 3:17), and having witnessed His transfiguration, he heard what Jesus would ultimately do (die and rise again), though John, along with James and Peter, wondered what this meant (Mark 9:7–10).
Later, when Jesus further explained to His disciples that He would die and rise again, brothers James and John immediately took Him aside to ask if they might sit on His right and left hand in heaven, wanting the glory and honor represented by those positions (Mark 10:35–40). But Jesus flipped that idea on its head, telling them:
“Whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant,
and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served,
but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (vv.43–45).
Throughout the Gospels, we read of John’s own transformation from fisherman to follower of Jesus, from power-seeking to power-giving, testifying to Jesus’s lordship, “so that [others] may also have fellowship… with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ” (1John 1:2–3). Transformed by that fellowship, he became one of the New Testament’s most prolific writers, receiving God’s revelation of the future, fully realized kingdom of God (Revelation 1:9–11).
Grace, redemption, and change—John, Peter, Matthew, and others are recorded as having their lives turned upside down by Christ. We are invited into the same transformation, and called to the same self-sacrifice as Jesus’s beloved disciple, John. It is a gift and grace to be called by Jesus, and a deep mercy to be transformed by His love, as John was.
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34 thoughts on "John"
Good morning all. What a beautiful challenging message today. Thank each of you for being here.
I love the call back to Exodus and Moses’s encounter with God! That passage always speaks to my heart in a unique way and reminds me, how is my time with the Lord evident in my life? Does my face shine like Moses’s-through my joy, selflessness, and security in Christ? Such a rich reminder for this Tuesday morning, as a prepare for work!
I am so blessed by this passage, message, and all of your insight. I pray that I will be as faithful with the little that God has entrusted to me as John was with the much that God entrusted to him.
Last year I had the blessing of traveling to Turkey & visited the ruins of John’s church, as well as the supposed house of Mary, mother of Jesus. Remember Jesus gave John the responsibility to care for his mother, which John did. It was so inspiring to visit, & to celebrate Communion outdoors, amongst the ruins.
The transfiguration account always captivates me. Jesus unites and fulfills what Moses and Elijah represent: the Law and the Prophets. Jesus’ three closest companions are witnesses to this event. Surely it solidified their faith in Him. Surely it gave them confidence for the tasks that lay ahead. Peter became a bold evangelist immediately after Pentecost. James eventually became the head of the church in Jerusalem. John recorded the revelation of end times which he received while exiled. Here we are, centuries later, the beneficiaries of their witness to the life and teachings of Jesus. Whatever our background, we too can pass the baton of faith. Our words and our actions are the testimony of our Jesus transformation. May it be bold, confident and Rock solid.
❤️
Amen❤️
Good morning, to you!
I am blessed by your comments.
I taught Prekindergarten students for years and asked yearly at Thanksgiving to draw for what they were thankful. In the 1990’s one student drew he was thankful for “the long arm of God”. Especially of late, that drawing has spoken to me, to not only see in my mind’s eye that ‘long arm with spindly fingers drawn’ for provision but also to take that hand to be guided guidance and led.
To quote our friend, Tina …
But God,
Used my little 4 year old friend more than 25 years ago to bring love and comfort to me at this time.
Hugs to you, Tina, and SRT sisters, from this side of the pond.
Tina, I agree with you. This is beautifully written. I reread this part above: Grace, redemption, and change—John, Peter, Matthew, and others are recorded as having their lives turned upside down by Christ. We are invited into the same transformation, and called to the same self-sacrifice as Jesus’s beloved disciple, John. It is a gift and grace to be called by Jesus, and a deep mercy to be transformed by His love, as John was.
May I be transformed by His love. I pray for all the people that we know that
don’t know Jesus to come to Him, repent, be radically transformed I thoughts, behaviors, and actions. Let them hate what He hates, and love what He loves. Let others see this total change and the joy they, and let others be led to Jesus and eternal life!
Tina, thank you so much for sharing. I enjoy when you share. and have looked for your words. You have touched me and I am sure others. As you have taught us: But God! That is a powerful statement full of hope! I appreciate you and how God has used your life and stories to help us and for His Kingdom. Have a joyful day!
Beautifully written Melanie Rainer… thank you!
May I, Tina, be transformed, as John was, each day to be a good and great witness for our saviour Jesus Christ.
Lead me Lord God, lead me on, for your absolute Glory..
But God..
But for God..
Amen..
Morning sisters.. sending hugs wrapped in love and hope for a God blessed day for each of you…❤