IT’S WHAT FRIENDS DO It is believed by most that John was the apostle “that Jesus loved” (John 13:23, 21:7, 21:20). Of course, He loved all His disciples, but there seems to have been a special relationship between young John (believed to be the youngest of the disciples, perhaps even the one described in Mark 14:51). What was it about John that so endeared him to Jesus, perhaps more so that the other disciples? I don’t know, but John seems to have been a rather simple man in many ways. Think about it: how would you describe Jesus? John said he was “the Word” – a message with feet. He tended to see things in black and white – there is light and darkness and you belong to one or the other. Perhaps because of his age he wasn’t as brash as Peter who was so sure he’d never deny Jesus – and then did. John’s theology is not complex. When he tries to tell us about God’s love for humanity, he simply says, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him won’t perish but have eternal life.” And so it is John that is at the cross as Jesus dies, standing beside Mary, Jesus’ mother. Why was John there when the others left? I think it was because of the special relationship he had with Jesus. Jesus wasn’t just the Messiah to John, or a miracle worker. He was his best friend. What do best friends do when their best friend is in trouble? They show up to help. There wasn’t anything John could do to stop the crucifixion, but he wanted Jesus to know how much he cared for Him by being there. I can’t help but think that it meant the world to Jesus to be able to look down and see John there. And so, Jesus asks John: “Will you take care of my mom?” John must have said something like, “Of course, Jesus!” and agrees because it is one way, he can be a help to Jesus in His dying moments. He agrees because it is his best friend asking. Two lessons here: First, the deepest and strongest relationship with Jesus isn’t one built on complex theology, but on friendship. A simple man or woman with a simple heart who sees in Jesus first and foremost a friend is bound to have a deeper relationship that the most knowledgeable theologian on the planet but who may not really know Jesus as his best friend. Second, best friends show up for one another. John showed up for Jesus, and Jesus shows up for John when he’s in exile on Patmos. This causes me to ask the painful question of myself: when Jesus and his church or cause is being attacked, will I show up, or hide in the darkness? The old song says it so well: “More love to thee, O Christ, more love to thee! This be the prayer I make, on bended knee! This is my earnest plea, more love O Christ to thee, more love to thee, more love to thee!” – Galen Dalrymple