Heartthoughts: No Sibling Rivalry

Our Sunday School lesson last week was on John, the Beloved, who referred to himself as “the disciple Jesus loved.” One man in the class commented that he had always wondered why Jesus loved John most. His conclusion was found in the verse, “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you,” James 4:8, inferring that John had given much attention to the relationship himself, in learning, devotion and loyalty.

Some people have the quality of making one feel special. They know the art of listening, of being there “in the moment,” not half-listening, thinking of what their response will be or being distracted by someone across the room. They are really there, being genuinely interested, drawing things out of you that you might not tell everyone. Such people are rare, but they leave you feeling like they are your best friend.

I had thought of someone as my best friend, until I heard others calling her their best friend! She truly had the personality of being warm, attentive, finding common ground in conversation, generous and kind. I think of a young family member who also has those qualities. He is a joy to be around, popular and loved by everyone.

Perhaps these qualities in Jesus were what made people feel that He loved them best. There were other people in the Bible that were said to be loved by Jesus. Of his friend, Lazarus, his sisters, Mary and Martha, said, “Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick,” John 11:3. No doubt he loved all His disciples: the tempestuous Peter, Matthew the tax collector, doubting Thomas, Nathaniel (“a man in whom there is no guile”), and the others. He even gave Judas a special job.

I heard once of a family whose mother had died. At her funeral, one of her grown children said, “You know I was Mom’s favorite. She told me once and asked me not to tell the others.”

“That’s funny” one of the siblings said, “She told me the same thing!”, to which the third one exclaimed, “No, I was her favorite. She told me so.”

Truth be told, they were probably all her favorite. I know mine are. Sometimes when God is blessing us, we feel we are God’s favorite child. Actually, He loves us all so much He makes us feel like we are the favorite. He died for the sins of the whole world, so that any who accept him may enjoy intimate fellowship with Him forever. Since John’s gospel was written last, he had the last word, but we can rest assured we are loved just as much as he was, and we are only asked to return that love by doing His will and our devotion to Him.