EGW
Of all the twelve disciples, Peter, James, and John held the closest relationship to Christ. John could be satisfied with a still nearer intimacy, and this he obtained. At that first conference beside the Jordan, when Andrew, having heard Jesus, hurried away to call his brother, John sat silent, rapt in the contemplation of wondrous themes. He followed the Saviour, ever an eager, absorbed listener. ST March 8, 1905, par. 1
The Saviour loved them all, but John's was the most receptive spirit. He was younger than the others, and with more of a child's confiding trust he opened his heart to Jesus. Thus he came more into sympathy with Christ, and through him the Saviour's deepest spiritual teaching was communicated to the people. ST March 8, 1905, par. 2
Yet John's was no faultless character. He was no gentle, dreamy enthusiast. He and his brother were called “the sons of thunder.” John was proud, ambitious, combative; but beneath all this the divine Teacher discerned the ardent, sincere, loving heart. Jesus rebuked his self-seeking, disappointed his ambitions, tested his faith. But He revealed to him that for which his soul longed,—the beauty of holiness. “Unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world,” He said, “I have manifested Thy name.” ST March 8, 1905, par. 3
Evil temper, revenge, the spirit of criticism, were all in the beloved disciple. But day by day, in contrast with his own violent spirit, he beheld the tenderness and forbearance of Jesus, and heard His lessons of humility and patience. He opened his heart to the divine influences, and became not only a hearer but a doer of the Saviour's words. Self was hid in Christ. He learned to wear the yoke of Christ and to bear His burden. For him the darkness had passed away, and the true light was shining. ST March 8, 1905, par. 4
What privilege was theirs who for three years were in daily contact with that divine Life from which has flowed every life-giving impulse that has blessed the world. Above all his companions, John yielded himself to the power of that wondrous life. He says, “The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.” “Of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” ST March 8, 1905, par. 5
John's was a nature that longed for love, for sympathy and companionship. He pressed close to Jesus, sat by His side, leaned upon His breast. As a flower drinks the sun and dew, so did he drink in the divine light and life. In adoration and love he beheld the Saviour, until likeness to Christ and fellowship with Him became his one desire, and in his character was reflected the character of his Master. ST March 8, 1905, par. 6
When John testified of the Saviour's grace, his simple language was eloquent with the love that pervaded his whole being. He entered into no controversy, no wearisome contention. He declared what he knew, what he had seen and heard. “That which was from the beginning,” he said, “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; ... that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” ST March 8, 1905, par. 7
The love of God was the theme upon which John delighted to dwell. “Behold,” he said, “what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” ST March 8, 1905, par. 8
“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” “We have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” ST March 8, 1905, par. 9