Does God Have Favorites?

Does God have favorites?

Perhaps John, one of the twelve disciples, thinks so. In the gospel given his name, John refers to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” on at least six occasions. Along with Peter and James, John was part of Jesus’ inner circle affording him access to a part of Jesus’ life that many did not see. It was John who initiated a dispute with the other disciples about which of them was the greatest. And it was John that Jesus asked to look after his mother, Mary, after His death. John was the only one of the disciples not to die of martyrdom (excluding Judas who committed suicide). Instead, John died a natural death after being exiled to the island of Patmos.

Was John one of Jesus’ favorites? 

Peter might agree. There’s a telling story in John 21 where Jesus appears to the disciples after his resurrection. The disciples have been fishing but have caught nothing. Jesus allots them a miraculous catch of fish and they have breakfast with Him on the beach. Peter is reinstated three times with the question, “Do you love me?” – one for every time he denied Jesus. And then Jesus tells Peter about his future - that he will die for the cause of Christ. Peter is taken back by the news and wants to know how John’s life will end. Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?” Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” 

What is that to you?

Let those words hang in your mind for a moment. Jesus makes it clear to Peter that he shouldn’t concern himself with John’s future. Peter’s calling is clear – just “follow me.” His only interest was to be obedient to Jesus’ invitation. Likewise, we are not to concern ourselves with whether we might be favored, other’s fortunes and exploits, or their providences or callings, but only our call to be obedient to Jesus.

Just follow Jesus.

Ryan Smallwood