Today’s Picture: Lean In by Jessica Willetts
Jesus’ Family and Friends: The Beloved Disciple
It seems most likely that “the disciple Jesus loved” is the person who inspired John’s
Gospel.
He seemed to feel he was particularly singled out from the others for the affection of Jesus. One example of this affection was the physical intimacy of leaning against Jesus at the Last Supper.
At this meal Peter gets the beloved disciple to ask Jesus who is to betray him.
Peter obviously thinks the disciple Jesus loved is more likely to get a straight answer from Jesus than if he had asked himself.
What does this suggest to you about Jesus and friendship?
What is behind Peter’s question about the Beloved Disciple in today’s Scripture passage?
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To be a disciple Jesus loved.
Setting: This passage, set by the sea of Galilee, follows a miraculous catch of fish, then a fish breakfast cooked by Jesus. Then we have Peter being questioned on his love for Jesus, with the beloved disciple following, perhaps wanting his own time with Jesus. Imagine yourself as a character in this scene.
John 21:17-22 HCSB
Jesus asked Peter the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”
Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
He said, “Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You.”
“Feed My sheep,” Jesus said. “I assure you:
When you were young, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted.
But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.”
He said this to signify by what kind of death he would glorify God.
After saying this, He told him, “Follow Me!”
So Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them.
That disciple was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is the one that’s going to betray You?”
When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord—what about him?”
“If I want him to remain until I come,” Jesus answered,
“what is that to you? As for you, follow Me.”
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
Today’s Music: I found My Beloved written and sung by John Michael Talbot
Click for more music by John Michael Talbot