April 15

“Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter–It is the Lord!” — John 21:7

One compares the character of John, in its mellow ripeness, to an ancient, extinct volcano. Where once the crater yawned–there is now a verdurous, cup-like hollow on the mountain summit. Where once the fierce fires burned–lies a still, clear pool of water, looking up like an eye to the beautiful heavens above, its banks covered with sweet flowers. “It is an apt parable,” he says, “of the apostle John. Naturally and originally volcanic, capable of profoundest passion and daring–he is new-made by grace, until in his old age he stands out in calm grandeur of character, and depth and largeness of soul, with all the gentlenesses and graces of Christ adorning him a man; as I imagine him to myself, with a face so noble that kings might do him homage, and so sweet that little children would run to him for his blessing.” This is a true and striking portrait of this disciple of love.

What was it that wrought this transformation in John, that changed the “son of thunder” into the apostle of Christly affectionateness? It was leaning upon the Master’s bosom that did it. The lump of common clay lay upon the perfumed rose, and the sweetness of the rose entered into it. John lay on Jesus’ bosom, on the bosom of the all-loving One, and the love of Jesus passed into John’s soul and transformed it. That was the secret of John’s sanctification.