Typically we talk about the disciples as a whole, as a group, even as a clique. Often we single out Peter as being special because he is the rock on which the church was built and is sometimes referred to as the first Pope. But even Peter wasn’t the closest to Jesus of all the disciples.

John 13:23

²³ One of the disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was at Jesus’ side.

John 20:2

² She ran to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him.”

John 21:20

Jesus and the disciple whom he loved

²⁰ Peter turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. This was the one who had leaned against Jesus at the meal and asked him, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”

Now reflect on the following questions:

How do you feel knowing Jesus was closer to one person than others?

How does that help you to understand that Jesus was fully human and fully divine, not just half and half?

What does it tell you about God’s ability to be your go-to person when life gets rough?

Christ, we often focus on how amazing you are. But also you were simply a person living a complicated life. You had friends and enemies. You became hungry and tired. Help us to remember you are our friend because you know what it’s like to be human. Send your Spirit to remind us that we all are children of God and loved individually by God. Amen.

Jesus needed community and friends to lift him up, even when they didn’t understand why he was feeling down.