The Apostles John and James, were given a nickname by Jesus, “Boanerges,” which means “Sons of Thunder.” They were the two who wanted to command fire from heaven to destroy a Samaritan village that rejected Jesus. [Mark 3:17]
James would be the first Apostle to be martyred after Jesus’ ascension. John would outlive all the others and die of old age, probably the only one to not be martyred. He would also acquire a new name, John the Beloved. This Son of Thunder was the disciple who rested his head on the chest of Jesus at the Last Supper. He was the one who witnessed the crucifixion and heard Jesus’ words to care for Mary, Jesus’ mother. And John was the one who would write the most about love . . . love for God and love for each other.
Perhaps the most amazing interaction between John and Jesus, however, is found in that first chapter of the Book of Revelation. The Apostle John was given the revelation of what would happen at the end of the ages. He wrote it all down, including what happened when he saw the Triumphant Christ following Jesus’ Ascension and Exaltation to the Right Hand of the Father.
Take a moment to read it in Revelation 1:12-18. John heard a voice and turned. He saw someone he described as “like a son of man.” But this someone was unlike anyone John had ever seen or met. “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.”
John’s reaction was to fall at the feet of the King of Kings as though dead. It was then Jesus touched John and identified Himself, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
John had rested his head on the chest of Jesus when He walked this earth. He had witnessed His crucifixion and ate with Him following His resurrection. He was there when Jesus ascended to His Father, but nothing prepared Him for the Exalted Christ Jesus, His Savior and LORD. I wonder how prepared we will be …?
