John | Eyewitness | Pastor Hans Hess

Easter Series 2026: Eyewitnesses of Jesus Part 1: John This Easter series begins by looking at the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus through the eyes of those who were closest to Him. And first, we see it through John, not as a title of pride, but as a testimony of identity: I am the one Jesus loved. I. A Son of Thunder John didn’t start soft, humble, or loving. He was bold, intense, and even prideful He and his brother James wanted positions of honor He was willing to call down fire on people who rejected Jesus John was passionate…but misplaced. Yet Jesus didn’t reject him, He transformed him. II. The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved John wasn’t just another follower, he was invited into deeper moments: Jairus’ house - witnessing miracles The Transfiguration - seeing Jesus in glory Gethsemane - seeing Jesus in sorrow The Last Supper - leaning close to Jesus John didn’t earn this closeness, he simply stayed near. And instead of labeling himself by his past, he chose a new identity: “The one Jesus loved.” III. Faithful to the End When others fled…John stayed. He stood at the cross He witnessed the suffering He was entrusted with caring for Jesus’ mother Love kept him present when fear drove others away. IV. A Transformed Elder The same “Son of Thunder” became the apostle of love. “Let us love one another, for love is of God…” - 1 John 4 John’s life became proof of this truth: When you truly experience the love of Jesus, you don’t stay the same. His story isn’t just about who he was…it’s about who he became. He could have said: “I’m the one who wanted power.”...“I’m the one who got it wrong.”...But instead, he chose this identity: “I am the one Jesus loved.” Jesus wants you to know that your past doesn’t define you and your mistakes don’t name you. If you are in Christ, your identity is this: You are the one Jesus loves.