Have you ever wondered what makes someone stand out in the eyes of God? That thought struck me as I read Revelation 1:1, which says, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John” (KJV). Why was John, among all the disciples, chosen to receive such a powerful and divine revelation? This wasn’t just any message—this was a vision sent directly from the throne of God, through an angel, to one disciple. What made John so special?

As I pondered this question, I began to reflect on John’s life and the qualities that set him apart. Three key attributes emerged: Love, Loyalty, and Light. These three “L’s” aren’t just qualities that defined John, but they are traits that all disciples of Jesus are called to embody. Understanding how these traits made John stand out can also help us reflect on our own journey of faith as modern disciples.

Love: The Defining Mark of a Disciple

Love is at the heart of Christianity. Jesus himself said that love is the greatest commandment: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind… And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:37-39, KJV). Love is not just a feeling—it is the cornerstone of the Christian life, and no one exemplified this better than John.

How John Reflected Love

John is often referred to as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23, KJV). This phrase isn’t just about favoritism; it speaks to the unique bond that existed between Jesus and John. Throughout the Gospels, we see John in moments of deep intimacy with Jesus. At the Last Supper, it is John who sits closest to Jesus, leaning on His chest (John 13:23-25, KJV). This position wasn’t just physical—it symbolized John’s deep emotional connection to Christ. John’s closeness to Jesus wasn’t just about proximity; it reflected the disciple’s deep understanding of Christ’s heart and teachings.

John’s love for Jesus was further displayed at the crucifixion. When many of the disciples scattered out of fear, John remained at the foot of the cross, alongside Jesus’ mother, Mary (John 19:25-26, KJV). This act of loyalty and love demonstrates that John was willing to endure the pain and suffering of seeing Jesus crucified because of his deep bond with Him.

In one of His final acts of love, Jesus entrusted the care of His mother to John, saying, “Behold thy mother” (John 19:27, KJV). This moment shows the depth of trust that Jesus had in John. To be given such a responsibility in the final moments of Jesus’ earthly life speaks volumes about John’s capacity for love.

Biblical Examples of Love

While John’s life exemplified love, he was not the only figure in the Bible to reflect this quality. Ruth’s devotion to Naomi is one of the clearest examples of love in action. Ruth famously said, “Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge” (Ruth 1:16, KJV). Ruth’s love for her mother-in-law was selfless, sacrificial, and enduring, much like the love that Jesus calls His followers to demonstrate.

The parable of the Good Samaritan also gives us a powerful illustration of love. In Luke 10:30-37 (KJV), the Good Samaritan showed love for his “neighbor” by caring for a man who had been beaten and left for dead. This story highlights that love is not just for those we know and are close to but should extend even to strangers and those in need.

The Role of Love in the Church Today

Love is still the defining mark of a true disciple today. In John 13:35, Jesus says, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (KJV). The way the church loves—both internally and externally—is the greatest testimony of its faith. Love doesn’t just mean speaking kindly; it means acting sacrificially. This can take many forms: helping the poor, offering forgiveness, showing kindness to strangers, and building strong relationships within the church community.

For modern disciples, John’s example teaches us that love is both the foundation and the evidence of our faith in Christ. Just as John stayed close to Jesus throughout His ministry and even at the cross, we too are called to love with perseverance and steadfastness.

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Loyalty: Faithfulness in All Circumstances

Loyalty, like love, is a key trait that defined John’s life and his relationship with Jesus. Loyalty goes beyond mere faithfulness; it involves unwavering commitment, even when times are tough. Throughout his life, John showed a deep sense of loyalty, not only to Jesus but also to the gospel mission.

John’s Loyalty to Jesus

John’s loyalty to Jesus was evident in his willingness to stay close to Him during the most difficult times. While many of the other disciples fled in fear when Jesus was arrested, John followed Him through His trial and was present at the crucifixion (John 19:25-26, KJV). This kind of loyalty is rare. John wasn’t afraid of the danger he faced by associating with Jesus, even as the Roman and Jewish authorities were actively persecuting Christ’s followers. He stayed because of his deep devotion to Jesus.

After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, John continued to demonstrate his loyalty through his unwavering commitment to the early Christian church. Tradition tells us that John faced persecution for his faith and was eventually exiled to the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9, KJV), where he received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation. Even in isolation, John’s loyalty to Jesus never wavered. He faithfully recorded the revelation he received and remained committed to spreading the gospel message.

Other Examples of Loyalty in the Bible

Daniel provides another powerful example of loyalty in the Bible. Despite the threat of being thrown into a den of lions, Daniel refused to stop praying to God (Daniel 6:10-23, KJV). His loyalty to God was unshaken, even when his life was on the line. Similarly, Joseph showed loyalty to God’s plan for his life, despite being sold into slavery by his own brothers and later wrongfully imprisoned (Genesis 39-41, KJV). Both Daniel and Joseph remained faithful, and their loyalty was rewarded by God.

Loyalty in the Modern Church

Loyalty is critical for disciples today. In a world where values and commitments can be fleeting, the church is called to remain loyal to Christ and His teachings, even when society pressures us to compromise. This means standing firm in biblical truth, being consistent in our witness, and showing up for others, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.

John’s life reminds us that loyalty isn’t just about being faithful in easy times; it’s about standing firm in difficult times as well. As disciples, we must be loyal to God’s Word, loyal to one another in fellowship, and loyal to the mission of spreading the gospel.

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Light: Shining in the Darkness

John’s life was marked not only by love and loyalty but also by light. The concept of light is central to John’s writings, especially in his Gospel and epistles. He saw Jesus as the light of the world, and he understood the responsibility of believers to reflect that light.

John and the Light of Christ

In John 1:4-5, we read, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (KJV). John’s Gospel opens with the image of Jesus as the true light that overcomes the darkness. This theme continues throughout John’s writings, especially in 1 John 1:5, where he says, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (KJV).

John didn’t just write about light; he lived it. As one of Jesus’ closest disciples, John witnessed firsthand how Jesus brought light into the world through His teachings, miracles, and sacrificial love. After Jesus’ ascension, John took on the responsibility of reflecting that light to others. He did this through his writings, his leadership in the early church, and his unwavering faith, even in the face of persecution.

Other Examples of Light in the Bible

Moses is another figure in the Bible associated with light. After spending time with God on Mount Sinai, Moses’ face shone with a radiant light that reflected God’s glory (Exodus 34:29-35, KJV). This light was so powerful that Moses had to cover his face with a veil because it was too bright for others to look at directly.

Jesus, too, taught His disciples that they were to be the light of the world. In Matthew 5:14-16, He says, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (KJV). This command wasn’t just for the disciples; it’s for all believers.

Light in the Church Today

The church is called to be a light in a dark world. This means living out our faith in such a way that others are drawn to Christ. The church can shine its light by engaging in acts of kindness, speaking truth, and living in a way that reflects God’s love. In Philippians 2:15, Paul encourages believers to “shine as lights in the world” (KJV), showing others the way to God through our actions and our witness.

Just as John saw Jesus as the light that shone in the darkness, we are called to be reflections of that light today. In a world that often seems consumed by darkness—whether through sin, suffering, or confusion—the church has a unique opportunity to shine God’s light and bring hope to those in need.

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Conclusion: Reflecting the Three L’s Today

The life of the apostle John is a powerful example of what it means to be a true disciple of Christ. Through his love, loyalty, and light, John demonstrated the qualities that every believer should strive for in their walk with God. These three “L’s” not only defined John’s relationship with Jesus but also laid the foundation for his role in the early church and his reception of the Book of Revelation.

As modern disciples, we are called to reflect these same qualities in our own lives. Love is the mark of true faith, showing others the heart of God through our actions. Loyalty is the commitment to stay faithful to God and His Word, even when the world around us pressures us to compromise. And light is the witness we bear to the world, shining brightly in the darkness to guide others toward the truth.

John’s life teaches us that being a disciple is not about perfection, but about faithfulness. By embracing these three “L’s” in our own lives, we too can become vessels of God’s love, ambassadors of His truth, and reflections of His light in a world that desperately needs it.

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—Joshua L Mullins