The Apostle John (died c. 100 AD)
READ: John 21:20-25; Acts 4
The Apostle John was the youngest
of the twelve and was affectionately known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” John
was one of the three guys in Jesus’ inner circle. He, James and Peter were
given privilege to witness miracles that the other nine did not get to see.
John was passionate about the Lord from the get-go, and, along with his brother
James, was nicknamed a “son of thunder”. John underwent much persecution during
the years of the early church and witnessed many miracles alongside his
suffering.
In his conversation with Peter on
the beach, Jesus said something about John’s death from which a rumour began. News
spread among the believers that John would never die. Though this is not what
Jesus meant, John’s death was unique
among the disciples. Like the others, John suffered his allotment of beatings
and imprisonments, but always returned to ministry as boldly as ever. Finally,
the Roman Emperor decided to finish John off once and for all and called for
him to be thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil. But like Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego in the fiery furnace, John sat, worshipping the Lord, completely
unscathed! No persecution could kill him, so he was finally exiled to the
Island of Patmos. It was here where the Lord appeared to him in vivid visions,
describing the events of the last days, which John wrote down as the Book of Revelation.
After two years, John was brought back to Ephesus where he underwent more
persecution, including being forced to drink poison, but these tortures could
not kill him either. He was the only apostle to die an old man’s death. He was
truly a faithful servant of the Lord, willing to bear any weight for His
Saviour; and for this we know he has received an eternal weight of glory.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Where do you feel weak in your faith?
2. Ask God how He wants to grow your faith this summer. What does He want to do in your heart?
3. Thank God for what He has shown you, and pray that it would become a reality in your life.
