John, the son of Zebedee, had been one of the first two disciples who had followed Jesus. He and his brother James had been among the first group who had left all for His service. Gladly they had forsaken home and friends that they might be with Him; they had walked and talked with Him; they had been with Him in the privacy of the home, and in the public assemblies. He had quieted their fears, delivered them from danger, relieved their sufferings, comforted their grief, and with patience and tenderness had taught them, till their hearts seemed linked with His, and in the ardor of their love they longed to be nearest to Him in His kingdom. At every possible opportunity, John took his place next the Saviour, and James longed to be honored with as close connection with Him.

Johannes, Zebedæus søn, havde været en af de første to disciple, der fulgte Jesus. Han og hans broder Jakob havde været blandt de første, der havde forladt alle ting for at tjene ham. De havde med glæde forladt både hjem og venner for at kunne være sammen med ham. De havde vandret med ham og talt med ham. De havde været sammen med ham i hjemmets stilhed og i de store forsamlinger. Han havde beroliget deres frygt, udfriet dem fra farer, lindret deres smerter, trøstet dem i deres sorg, og med tålmodighed og mildhed havde han undervist dem, indtil deres hjerter syntes at være forenede med hans, og i deres inderlige kærlighed higede de efter at være ham nærmest i hans rige. Hver gang der var mulighed for det, indtog Johannes den plads, der var Frelseren nærmest, og Jakob længtes efter at blive hædret gennem en tættere forbindelse med ham.