John had a very significant role in the ministry of Jesus. He was one of Jesus’ closest disciples and the “beloved” one amongst them all. The role of John continued into the times of the early New Testament Church. He was among the pioneers of the early Church, who made impact on the world (Wiles, 2006). He was there offer guidance as the Church went through controversies. It must be noted that John wrote his Gospel book and four others in the New Testament. He also gave encouragement for a Church in flux.
John’s relationship with Jesus was uniquely tight and so close. The Gospel of John defines the “beloved disciple” of Jesus as the one who leaned on Him during the Last Supper and the only who also was present at His crucifixion (Stott, 2014). John is the one who put his head on the Master's chest to inquire about the betrayer when the issue was raised during the Last Supper. He was a very faithful disciple of Jesus. He felt quite comfortable when with Jesus.
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The significance of the role John played in the early Church cannot be gainsaid. He played the leading role in the early Church at Jerusalem. The authoritative role John played in the early Church is indicated by his visit with Peter to Samaria, where he laid hands on the new converts there (Tam, 2017).
There is a lot to be learnt from the principles of John. The first lesson is the need to build s strong relationship with Jesus in our souls despite the shortcomings and iniquities we have as human beings. God is able to hear the confessions and repentance of our and grant us his love and grace. Moreover, it is important to be humble like John. He even never mentions his name in his Gospel, showing great humility.
References
Stott, J. (2014). The letters of John (Vol. 19). Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press.
Tam, J. C. (2017). Studies in John’s Gospel and Epistles: Collected Essays. By MJJ Menken. The Journal of Theological Studies , 68 (1), 297-299.
Wiles, M. F. (2006). The Spiritual Gospel: The Interpretation of the Fourth Gospel in the Early Church . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
