The Beloved Disciple

Today's Reflections

The Beloved Disciple 

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Jn 21:20-25

²⁰Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” ²¹When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” ²²Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” ²³So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? [What concern is it of yours?]”

²⁴It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. ²⁵There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.

Reflection:

It is this disciple who testifies. This is the second conclusion of John’s gospel. And it contains a sort of signature and description of the author as a truthful witness. This witness is a disciple whom Jesus loved.

Now, at the end of this gospel, we, readers, disciples of Jesus whom he loves, are also challenged to give true and truthful testimony to Jesus. It is our living testimony more than books that will draw people to Jesus.

Many people cannot read books, but they can read the book that is our lives even if they are illiterate. Let us appear before the world as people loved by Jesus and ready to give testimony to him by our lives, deeds, and words.

Do you give testimony to Jesus by your life?