A Great Teacher Shows Us the Creator More Clearly - A Disciple who Recognized Love

The apostle John was another disciple who closely associated with Jesus and who, therefore, can help us understand the Creator more fully.  John wrote a Gospel and also three letters. (1, 2,and 3 John).  In one letter, he offered us this insight:  We know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us intellectual capacity that we may gain the knowledge  of the true one [the Creator]. And we are in union with the true one, by means of his Son Jesus Christ.  This is the true God and life everlasting." -1 John 5:20. 

John's gaining knowledge of "the true one" involved employing "intellectual capacity."  What did John discern  about the Creator's qualities?  "God is love," John wrote, "and he that remains in love remains in union with God."  Why could John be sure of that?  "The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent forth his Son" to offer the ransom sacrifice for us.  (1 John 4:10, 16)  As was Peter, John  also was touched by God's love shown in sending his Son to die in our behalf.

John, having been very close  to him could appreciate Jesus' emotions. An incident in Babylon, near Jerusalem, deeply impressed John. Having received a report that his friend Lazarus was very sick,  Jesus traveled  to Bethany. By  the time that he and the apostles arrived, Lazarus had been dead at least four days. John knew that the Creator, the Source of human life, was backing Jesus. So could Jesus resurrect Lazarus?  (Luke 7:11-17;  8:41, 42,  49-56)  Jesus said to Lazarus' sister Martha: "Your brother will rise." -John 11:1-23.  

Then John saw another of Lazarus' sisters, Mary, coming to meet Jesus. How did Jesus react?  He "groaned in the spirit and became troubled." To describe Jesus'  reaction, John used a Greek word  (rendered "groaned" in English) that had the sense of deep emotions wrung from the heart.  John could see that Jesus was "troubled,"  or had inward commotion, great sorrow.  Jesus was not indifferent or aloof.  He "gave way to tears."  (John 11:30-37)  Clearly, Jesus had deep and tender feelings, which helped John to appreciate the Creator's feelings, and it should help us similarly. 

Next time: A Great Teacher Shows Us the Creator More Clearly - Conclusion of   A Disciple Who Recognized Love

From the book: Is There a Creator That Cares About You?