The Beloved Disciple

The Beloved Disciple
Scripture: John 19:25–27 (CEB)
Part of the Witness at the Cross Lenten series

At the foot of the cross, a small group remains with Jesus in his final moments. Among them is an unnamed figure in the Gospel of John known simply as the beloved disciple. In this week’s sermon, we stand beside Mary, the mother of Jesus, and this anonymous disciple to reflect on what it means to remain close to Christ even in moments of suffering.

Drawing on insights from Amy-Jill Levine’s Witness at the Cross: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Friday, we explore why this disciple may have been intentionally left unnamed. By leaving the beloved disciple anonymous, the Gospel invites each of us to step into the story—to see ourselves as the one whom Jesus loves and the one called to care for others in his name.

From the cross, Jesus forms a new kind of family. He says to Mary, “Here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” In that moment, family is redefined—not by biology, marriage, or obligation—but by love, faithfulness, and care for one another in Christ.

Standing close to the cross is not only about remembering the past. It calls us to look around and notice who is beside us, and to practice love in concrete ways—through presence, hospitality, and acts of compassion that reflect Christ’s love in the world.

🌀 Reflection Questions

• What spiritual practices help you stand closer to the cross and gain clarity and focus on what Jesus wants you to see?
 • What does “family” mean to you after hearing John 19:25–27? How does that shape your commitments?
 • Who is the person standing at the cross with you whom Jesus is calling you to love like family? What action can you take this week to love them well?

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