If you asked John to tell you a bit about himself, he might begin casually, “I’m John—Jesus’ favorite.”
He never missed a chance to tell people that he alone held the title of “The one whom Jesus loved.”
It’s almost comedic—like a kid slyly slipping in that they’re Mom’s favorite, whispering it loud enough for siblings to hear.
But maybe there’s something deeper beneath the playful boast.
Throughout John’s gospel, he keeps referring to himself with that sneaky little nickname—“the disciple whom Jesus loved.” You can almost hear Peter groaning: “Okay, John, we get it. You’re His favorite. Congratulations.”
But there’s some subtle truth to this. Of course, Jesus loves everyone and died for everyone, but there can be no denying that John held a special place in Jesus’ life.
John was part of the inner circle with Peter and James, witnessing moments others missed:
So maybe John had a point. Maybe, just maybe, he was a bit of a favorite.
One scene especially shows John’s closeness to Jesus.
At the cross, in unimaginable agony, Jesus looks down and sees John standing beside Mary, His mother. In that excruciating moment, Jesus entrusts His mother’s care, not to His brothers, not to Peter, but to John:
“Woman, behold, your son… [and to John] behold, your mother.” (John 19:26-27)
Who would you entrust to take care of your mother? Surely the friend you trust the most.
But John wasn’t always so loving and trustworthy.
Jesus nicknamed John and his brother James the “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17)
This was likely because of their hot-headed temperaments. Remember the time they asked Jesus if they should call down fire to destroy an unfriendly village (Luke 9:54)?
? Not exactly a tender-hearted approach.
Yet years later, this same fiery John penned some of the most tender and powerful words about love:
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God...God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8)
What happened to John? Love transformed him.
John went from calling down fire to preaching that love was God’s defining characteristic.
Love changed John’s entire identity. It softened his rough edges, reshaped his temperament, and molded him into the apostle who truly understood Jesus’ heart.
John’s unique intimacy with Jesus lasted beyond Christ’s earthly life. He was the last surviving apostle, carrying memories and stories no one else could share firsthand.
Even in his old age, exiled to Patmos, Jesus came to John again. Jesus visited John in an epic vision of Heaven itself, inspiring the famous book of Revelation.
John saw eternity unfolding in vivid colors, angels and elders worshipping, and Jesus crowned King of kings.
It was like one final, breathtaking gift: Jesus showing His best friend the ending of the story they started together.
John teaches us a simple yet profound lesson: The more deeply you understand that Jesus loves you, the more your life reflects that love.
We become what we receive.
When you understand how deeply loved you are, you’re freed to love others boldly. The transformation that happened in John is the same transformation available to each of us.
We all have our flaws, tempers, insecurities, and rough edges. But Christ’s love smooths them over, reshapes us, and invites us into intimacy with Him.
Maybe it’s okay to joke that John was “Jesus’ favorite.” Maybe it’s even true, but only because John chose to live in the fullness of Christ’s love.
You’re also invited into that love. Imagine what would happen if you believed it like John did.
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