Verse from John

“门徒中有一个人，是耶稣所爱的，侧身挨近耶稣 。”
‭‭约翰福音‬ ‭13:23‬ ‭

“One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to Him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭13:23‬ ‭

John used the term “the disciple whom Jesus loved” as a way of referring to himself without mentioning his own name. He is also depicting a typical banquet setting in first-century Israel, where the table was much lower than those we use today, about knee height. Reclining without chairs on a mat or cushions was the natural position for those around the table. John was sitting so close to the Lord that when he turned to ask him a question, he was “leaning back against Jesus” (John 13:25), with his head on his chest.

John’s closeness to Jesus in that moment provides a helpful illustration for our lives with Him today. We may not be able to touch Jesus physically, but we can entrust the weightiest circumstances of our lives to Him. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). How blessed we are to have a Savior whom we can trust to be faithful through every circumstance of our lives! Are you “leaning” on Him today?

Dear Lord Jesus,
help me to lean on You today and to trust You as my source of strength and hope.
I cast all my cares on You and praise You because You are faithful.

Jesus alone gives the rest we need.