The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved

Another of the distinctive features of the Gospel is the appearance of a disciple who is not named but simply described as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” This disciple is presented as the disciple upon whose testimony the authenticity of the Gospel rests.

• This disciple appears first during the Farewell Meal of Jesus with His disciples (13:23–26).

• This disciple also appears at the foot of the cross with the mother of Jesus (19:26–27, 32–36).

• This disciple is the first, along with Peter, to witness the empty tomb of Jesus (20:2–11).

• He is with Peter in the boat on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus appears to them on the shore (21:7).

• His fate is compared with that of Peter (21:21–24).

Commentators commonly refer to this disciple as “the Beloved Disciple.” The use of this title has the unfortunate consequence of ignoring the actual wording of the Gospel text: “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” The title given to this disciple is probably derived from John 14:21 (compare 15:9): “The one possessing my commandments and keeping them, that one is the one loving me. And the one loving me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will manifest myself to him.” Thus this disciple was thought to be exemplary in his obedience to the commandments given by Jesus. As such, he could truly be said to be loved by Jesus and had the greatest understanding of Him.