The Disciple Jesus Loved
It is assumed that the one called “the disciple whom Jesus loved” was John the apostle. That may very well be correct. There is another theory that this referred not to John, but to Lazarus. There is some reasonable evidence for this idea.
This language isn’t used until after Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead and it is during that event that it is noted how much Jesus loved Lazarus. When Jesus was on the cross he said to the disciple whom he loved, “Behold your mother…” essentially giving the responsibility to care for his mother’s needs to this man. Lazarus seems like a good fit for that job. He lived with his two sisters, Mary, and Martha. The three of them were well off financially. They were close friends with Jesus and his mother Mary. So, it would make sense that he would make that choice.
Nevertheless, we have this man who was said to be loved by Christ. But what does that mean? Does it mean he didn’t love the other disciples? Clearly, that isn’t what it means. He, after all, demonstrated His love for them, and us, by laying down His life for our salvation. I think it just means that Jesus and this disciple (whether it is John or Lazarus) had a special human connection and bond.
When we are faced with something like that in life, we can choose to allow it to evoke jealousy and resentment; or we can accept the fact that there are very human emotions and connections that bond some people together in ways that it doesn’t others. A better response would simply be to be happy for them, to rejoice with those who rejoice, and be glad for all those relationships we can experience ourselves.
Someone’s love and friendship for another person don’t diminish their love and friendship with us. We can choose to live with resentment or rejoicing about these matters. Neither is going to change how others relate to each other. It will affect what kind of person we become though.
