I’m going to say John 13:23 is the reference for this lesson, but I’m going to share about a phrase that’s found many times in the gospel of John. It’s the phrase that John uses to refer to himself. This is it: the disciple whom Jesus loved. John had an intimate relationship with Jesus. He loved Jesus and knew that Jesus loved him. In that John 13:23 verse, John is reclining against Jesus’ chest at the table.

That may seem too familiar to some of you, but it’s still common practice in some cultures for men to walk arm in arm or to be cozy in ways we would find awkward in America. Whereas, in those places, they wouldn’t behave that way with a woman, even their wife, in front of others. My husband’s language teacher used to lean on him just like in that verse or put his hand on my husband’s knee just to make fun, because he knew it made him uncomfortable; he would get a laugh out of it. So, there’s nothing weird about this close relationship. John just knew he was loved.

He knew he could lean back against Jesus and rest. Do you have that relationship with Jesus? Do you know you are loved by Him? Truly loved, not in the “God so loved the whole world” kind of love, but a love that’s all for you. Do you know that you are God’s favorite? I think every child of God should feel like they are His favorite because that’s how He makes you feel when you are with Him. Do you know yourself as the one Jesus loves?

If you’re not sure if you know a deep, personal love from God like that, ask Him to teach you about His love for you. Ask Him to help you live loved, a life of rest, reclining in the strong arms of Jesus.