John refers to himself this way as though he wished to be known in no other way. What else matters about me if I am one whom Jesus loves? I need no other identity but this. What would you not give in order to be referred to thusly? Is there any higher honor, more secure refuge, greater riches, or sweeter rest than His eternal, boundless love?
I would not be known as the disciple who loves Jesus, although I do so very deeply. The other is far more appropriate, for my love is just a result of His for me. It would be folly to emphasize the result rather than the cause. John did not identify himself in this manner as a boast of preference on the Lord's part. It is certain that if He does love me, it is freely, in spite of what and who I am. There is nothing about me that attracted His gracious love. That's what makes His love so glorious, that He extends it even to such a wretch as I.
I am not the wisest disciple nor the most gifted. I desire that He might use me in every way He sees fit; but if He chooses not to do so, it is enough that He loves me. This is how Paul could profess to be content in whatsoever state he was. If I am an object of the Saviour's love, then, though I be wounded and imprisoned as Paul and Silas, I will sing of His grace with joy in my heart as they did.
I am certainly not the disciple whom the world loves. I am nobody from nowhere with nothing to offer, and the world has no love for such. This world hates me and my God, but what matter? Don't carve upon my tombstone any flattery concerning me or my life. It would surely be an inaccuracy to do so.
This will be enough: Here lies a disciple "WHOM JESUS LOVED."
*