RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 31 – JOHN THE BELOVED

MEMORY VERSE: “ Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.” John 13:23.

BIBLE PASSAGE: John 19:25-27.

INTRODUCTION

John the Beloved, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, stands as a figure of deep faith and unparalleled devotion. He was born c. AD 6, in Galilee.He was one of the sons of Zebedee Matthew 4:21 and a brother to James. He and James were originally fishermen on the Lake of Gennesaret ie. Sea of Galilee Luke 5:1-10. His mother’s name is Salome. He was originally a disciple of John the Baptist. He died c. AD 101, in Ephesus, Asia Minor. His life, marked by visions and profound writings, reveals a heart dedicated to love, truth, and the hope of eternal life.

OUTLINES

1. CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS
2. LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE

1. CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS

John the beloved’s character:
John wrote the Gospel of John, three epistles (1st,2nd and 3rd John),and the Book of Revelation. Jesus nicknamed him and his brother James “Boanerges”, which means ‘sons of thunder’ Mark 3:17, indicating his fiery personality. Both, though were concerned for the honour of Jesus, were impatient and over- zealous Luke 9:53-55. He was equally over- ambitious for spiritual honour and glory Mark 10:35-40. A man of great revelations. Revelation 1:1-2, 9-10. Prayerful and courageous. Acts 4:16-19; Mark 14:33; Luke 9:28, lover of God’s presence.

John the beloved’s achievements:
He was one of the three disciples on the Mount of
Transfiguration with Jesus Matthew 17:1. He was also one of the three witnesses of Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane Matthew 26:37. He had access to some ‘classified’ information from Jesus that others could not have John 13:23-26.He was the only disciple at the foot of the Cross with the women and Mary, Jesus’ mother, and Jesus commended Mary into his care John 19:25-27. Generally, he was believed to be the “other disciple” who ran with Peter to see the empty tomb John 20:2-4. He was among the 120 who were baptized with the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost Acts 1:13-14; 2:1-4. He was with Peter at the healing of the lame man in the temple Acts 3:1-3. He went with Peter to visit the new disciples at Samaria, they both imparted the people with the Holy Spirit Acts 8:14- 17. John the beloved was exiled to the Isle of Patmos Revelation 1:9, and there Christ appeared to him, took him up into heaven, and showed him “ things which must be hereafter” Revelation 1:1-3; 4:1. He was known as the disciple “whom Jesus loved” John 13:23.

2. LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE

Several lessons can be learned from the life of John the Beloved. As believers, we should be:

1. Zealous for good works i.e. God’s work Revelation 1:9; Galatians 6:9.
2. Loyal and ready to help John 19:25-27: Galatians 6:2.
3. Concerned for the honour and glory of God and not our own Mark 10:35-40: 1 Corinthians 10:31.
4. Encouraged to stay close to Christ even when things go against us. God reveals great spiritual secrets to those who abide in his presence. Revelations 1:9-10; Romans 8:28; Acts 10:9-11.
5. Hard working and resourceful. John was a fisherman before Christ called him and he wrote five books of the New Testament Luke 5:1-2, 10.

CONCLUSION

The faith, devotion and deep close walk with God by John the beloved is profitable qualities worthy of emulation.

FURTHER READING

Sun: John 13:23.
Mon: John 19:26.
Tues: John 20:2.
Wed: John 21:7
Thurs: John 21:20.
Fri: Revelation 1:1-3
Sat: Revelation 4:1.