Grace Fellowship Church Pastor/Teacher Jim Rickard Top of the Eve’n to ya! Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Memory Verse John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

The Twelve Apostles 1. Simon-Peter 2. Andrew 3. James 4. John 5. Philip 6. Bartholomew 7. Thomas 8. Matthew, Levi 9. Simon the Zealot 10. James, the son of Alphaeus 11. Thaddaeus 12. Paul

His Name: John is the Greek name 'IOANNES. It stems from the Hebrew name YOHANAN which means, “Jehovah is gracious”.

Background: The younger brother of James "the greater", Mat 10:2; Mark 3:17; 10:35, a son of Zebedee and Salome.

His acquaintance with Caiaphas the high priest implies a position of influence and means. John 18:15

He was deeply influenced by the teachings of John the Baptist. John 1:35

His Personality: “The disciple whom Jesus loved”, but also a “Boanerges” - Son of Thunder.

He had great faith, loyalty and a passionate conviction that Jesus was the Son of God.

In His Gospel and Epistles we see a similar John but now spiritually matured and abounding in love.

In most Biblical references of him, he is with someone else who would do the speaking. Exceptions include, Mark 9:38; Luke 9:49; John 13:25.

Role Among the Disciples: At Jesus’ invitation he became a disciple, John 1:36-37, and when Jesus again called, Mat 4:21; Luke 5:1-11, he left all.

John is always mentioned in the first four in the lists of the twelve. Mat 10:2; Mark 3:17; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13

John is also among the “inner three”, (Peter, James and John). It was to these three that our Lord looked for encouragement.

Peter and John were sent to prepare the Passover meal for Jesus and the disciples. Luke 22:8

He reclined with Jesus during the Last Supper and at the urging of Peter asked who the betrayer was. John 13:23-26

At the betrayal, he and Peter followed Jesus, while the others ran away. John 18:15

He follows Christ into the council chamber (because of his acquaintance with Caiaphas), and then to the praetorium. John 18:15-28

He stood at the cross with Jesus’ mother and was charged by our Lord with her care. John 19:25-27

Mary Magdalene first conveys the resurrection of our Lord to John and Peter. John 20:2

He and Peter were the first to run to the empty tomb, John 20:2-10, he won the race, but stood outside the tomb until Peter came. Upon entering he “saw and believed”, John 20:8.

After the resurrection he and Peter returned to Galilee and recognized the risen Lord after the great catch of fish. John 21:1, 7

Another possible account of John was at the marriage feast of Cana. John 2:2

His Role in the Early Church:

Grace Fellowship Church Tuesday, March 17, 2009 Meet the Apostles - John Upper Room Discourse, Part 248 Tape # Meet the Apostles - John Upper Room Discourse, Part 248 John 13:36; 1:36-37; 18:15-28; 19:25-27; 20:8; 21:1-7 James H. Rickard Bible Ministries 2009