John, the Beloved Example

I’ve mentioned before that I read the four gospels every year between January 1 and the Lord’s Supper (maybe you think of it as the Last Supper).

I appreciate that not a one of the gospels ends with the death of Jesus. We are never left without hope. We are left with Jesus leading the way to life after death for all of us.

But the time between the Lord’s Supper and the resurrection is rough. It includes Judas leaving to betray Jesus. The emotional prayers for the cup to pass, and sweating great drops like blood. Then there is the betrayal by one of His own with a kiss, no less.

It gets worse.

Arrest. Literally, all the disciples except John and Peter fleeing/abandoning Jesus. Mocking. Being smacked about. Peter denying Him. False accusations. A crown of thorns. Finally, a brutal beating followed by a gruesome death.

It is hard to think about – not only because He did not deserve any of it and simply took it on in my place, but also because it is hard to imagine the hard-hearted cruelty of the mocking, crown of thorns, smacking, beating and crucifixion.

Jews and Romans, who normally hated or barely tolerated each other, worked together to carry out what was destined to happen, but which is no less depressing because it was meant to be.

It seems that Satan had a stronghold on that situation. Yet God was never not in control. He knew what would happen, as did Jesus. The scripture clearly predicted it.

Even the Father momentarily turned His back so that the sacrifice could occur as predicted.

But John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was there. He was in the courtyard and even let Peter in there. He was at Jesus’ feet at the last and received the last instruction that Jesus is recorded to have given.

How tough that must have been for John, who had less than a day earlier reclined on Jesus’ breast at dinner.

Sometimes that is what we need in a trial, isn’t it? Just someone to be there with us. Someone who knows and loves us, just being present with us in our suffering.

Even though there is nothing else they can do.

Even though there are no words that can make it better.

Even though it hurts them nearly as much as it hurts us.

Just being there is enough.

Of course, John was not the only one there. We know Mary, Jesus’ mother was there, as well as several other women.  

Bless you John for being with our Lord in His darkest hour, when I could not (because I wasn’t born yet). Frankly, I don’t know what I would have done in that situation.

It is tough to watch a friend or family member suffer. I’ve seen both my parents ravaged by cancer. You’ve probably experienced the same.

If you are in the midst of a struggle, please don’t do it alone. Call on your friends to come sit with you. Don’t be tempted to be embarrassed by your condition. Sickness, suffering and trial can be ugly. It can be smelly. Don’t let that cause you to drive your supporters away.

If you have a friend or loved one suffering, remember that you likely do not need to do anything. Probably, there isn’t anything you could do.

Just be like John, the beloved, and be there. Be present.

And remember Hebrews 13:5, … “for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’"

Jesus will be there with you too, sitting with your friend and you, just being present when you suffer – like John. Maybe waiting for you to ask for something you do need.

I’m so glad that we have the example of John, the beloved.

I welcome your comments and questions. You can write me here or any time at Nancy@DyanmicChristianMinistries.org