Jesus chose twelve original disciples. One found a special place in Jesus’ heart more personal than the rest. We gain insight into why he was granted this coveted position as we examine Jesus’ final meal with his disciples before his interrogation, torture and crucifixion.
“Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?“ (John 13:23-25)
It was John who leaned in to His Lord’s chest at the last supper. (Don’t get hung up on the words bosom and breast. These are King James old English words that both mean chest.) There may have been various reasons why John sat closest to Jesus. Perhaps there was assigned seating. Perhaps none of the other disciples recognized the spiritual significance of this meal even though Jesus had told them his death was coming. Perhaps they just weren’t that into Him. No matter the reasons why, the fact is that John leaned in to Him. The others could have. Someone was undoubtedly sitting on his other side, yet there’s no mention in scripture of them leaning in to Jesus.
BENEFITS OF LEANING IN TO JESUS
1. SECURITY
John’s desire to be as close to Jesus as possible assured he wouldn’t be the one who betrayed him. All the twelve disciples were seated at the table in close proximity to Jesus, even sharing a meal and allowing Him to wash their feet. Yet, one betrayed Him. It wasn’t John.
We know that disciple to be Judas Iscariot, and feel certain that would never be us. And perhaps we wouldn’t betray him so obviously. Most of us are like Peter who declared fervently that he would never deny his Lord. Yet, before that night was over, had denied him three times.
There are many ways to deny Jesus without ever saying a word. Literally. Refusing to testify or witness when the need arises can be a denial of Him. Making sure we stay leaned in close is the answer.
2. CONNECTION
Because John leaned in, he was physically positioned closest to Jesus’ heart. So close, in fact, he may have been able to hear and feel it beating.
Jesus taught us that we are the branches and He is the vine. Unless the branches stay connected to the source, there is no life. We may stay busy, and look like we’re living for a while, but unless we stay leaned in to the heart of Jesus, we find ourselves without a burden, and dying spiritually a little more each day.
3. KNOWLEDGE
By leaning in to Jesus, John was able to personally ask and obtain information that wasn’t heard by others.
It should come as no surprise that people who spend more time in God’s Word and communion with Him have more Kingdom knowledge than others. They won’t be caught off guard by end time events like others who have been living their lives with no thought of tomorrow. The signs are all around us, assuring us we need to be leaning in to him more than ever before.
4. RELATIONSHIP
Because of his desire to be closest to Jesus, John was one of three who were Jesus’ inner circle. He put more confidence in them, calling them to come further with him than the others.
The Lord loves all who bear his name. This is true. Another truth that many don’t like hearing is that there are levels of relationship with Jesus that grant you greater access to his plans and purpose. Continually leaning in to his presence through disciplines such as prayer, fasting, Bible study and worship is the key that grants access.
5. TRUST
John spent three and a half years leaning into Jesus at every opportunity. Because of this, Jesus entrusted him with the most precious thing to his heart -his mother.
When you spend time leaning in to Jesus, you don’t have to seek for important responsibilities. He will send them to you when He knows you’re mature enough to be trusted with them.
6. GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
John’s passion to be as close to Jesus as possible rewarded him with spiritual insight and revelation like no other. He was shown the Revelation of Jesus Christ.Today, two thousand years later, we have record of these vivid images documented in the book of Revelation to keep us hopeful and focused on the soon return of Jesus Christ, as well as all of the end time events leading up to this glorious event.
So you want to be used in the Gifts of the Spirit, and see the miraculous in your ministry? The surest way for that to happen is to continually lean in to the heart of Jesus. Even the man, Jesus, said he could do nothing on his own, but it was his Father (Holy Spirit) who did the work.
7. PROTECTION
History tells us that in the later years of his life, the great apostle John was boiled in oil. This may not sound like divine protection to you, however, the Holy Ghost inside of the old faithful apostle refused to turn loose, and John lived on. Afterward, he was banished to the hard labor work colony on the island of Patmos where he continued to serve his God, and received the previously mentioned Revelation of Jesus Christ that we can read in our bibles today.
Leaning in to Jesus keeps us from many dangers, and takes us through many others.
8. LONGEVITY IN MINISTRY
When God gave John the Revelation of Jesus Christ on Patmos, He also gave him the words to write letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor. We read those letters in Revelation chapters two and three. I would imagine that John thought he would have those letters delivered to these churches, and his ministry would effectively be over except for his continued prayers for them until his death on Patmos. This wasn’t God’s plan, however. The aged John was released from Patmos, and actually spent the rest of his life overseeing these seven churches.
When we lean in to Jesus, he gives us the withal to be beneficial to the Kingdom right up until He takes us home.
IN SUMMARY
The disciple John showed us by example how he became the great Apostle, Writer, Revelator, Bishop and Faithful to the end Christian. He simply spent his life leaning in to the heart of Jesus.
In Jesus’ Name,
-Pat Vick
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