From His Heart Daily Devotional 16 January 2022
THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED?
“There was reclining on Jesus’ breast one of His disciples whom Jesus loved.”
John 13:23
“The disciple whom Jesus loved.” That is the way John refers to himself in the Gospel of John. He never calls himself by name, just “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” When I first read that, I remember saying to myself, “Come on, John. Have a little humility! Who do you think you are, God’s gift to the 12?” His self-imposed moniker just seemed to smack of arrogance and pride. But then it hit me like a truck.
John wasn’t boasting. He was bowing down in gratitude and awe. He was saying in effect, “Can you believe it? Jesus loves me… an unworthy sinner like me!” Whoa. That changes everything.
HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF?
How you see yourself is critical to your walk with the Lord. Many see themselves in a very negative light. They believe lies when it comes to their relationship with the Lord and His view of them.
1. I am “the disciple whom Jesus tolerates.”
2. I am “the disciple whom Jesus is sorely disappointed in.”
3. I am “the disciple whom Jesus is greatly displeased with.”
4. I am “the disciple whom Jesus loathes.”
If you think any of those thoughts, you are “the disciple whom Jesus wants to change.”
START SPEAKING THE TRUTH
Maybe you are like the millions of Christians who struggle with really believing, accepting, and enjoying the love of God for them. Maybe you have no problem believing God loves others, but you have terrible trouble believing God could love you, knowing all the bad things you have done… even since you have become a Christian.
Here is the great news that is 100% true: Jesus loves you! He loves you so much that He willingly died for you on the cross. You matter to Him. If you are a born-again follower of Jesus Christ, you are – dare I say it – “the disciple whom Jesus loves.”
Will you let this truth penetrate your heart?
When I was in college, I heard an old hymn that spoke to me in a powerful way. The hymn is called Jesus Loves Even Me. It still speaks to me today.
I am so glad that our Father in Heav’n
Tells of His love in the Book He has giv’n;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see,
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me;
I am so glad that Jesus loves me,
Jesus loves even me.
Listen, you and I may not feel worthy of His love (because we aren’t), but He loves us anyway. The cross proves it. Start seeing yourself the way John saw himself – as “the disciple whom Jesus loves.” If you do, it will change your life!
Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries
