The depth and fervor of John's affection for his Master was not the cause of Christ's love for him, but the effect of that love. John desired to become like Jesus, and under the transforming influence of the love of Christ he did become meek and lowly. Self was hid in Jesus. Above all his companions, John yielded himself to the power of that wondrous life. He says, "The life was manifested, and we have seen it." "And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace." 1 John 1:2; John 1:16. John knew the Saviour by an experimental knowledge. His Master's 545 lessons were graven on his soul. When he testified of the Saviour's grace, his simple language was eloquent with the love that pervaded his whole being.

Dybden og inderligheden i Johannes hengivenhed for sin Mester var ikke årsagen til Kristi kærlighed til ham, men virkningen af denne kærlighed. Johannes higede efter at blive som Jesus; og under Kristi kærligheds forvandlende indflydelse blev han selv sagtmodig og ydmyg. Hans eget jeg var skjult i Jesus. frem for alle sine meddisciple overgav Johannes sig til kraften i dette forunderlige liv. Han siger: "Livet blev åbenbaret og vi har set det." "Thi af hans fylde har vi alle modtaget og det nåde over nåde." 1Joh. 1,2; Joh. 1,16. Johannes kendte Frelseren med en viden, der byggede på erfaring. Hans Mesters lærdomme var indtegnet i hans sjæl. Når han vidnede om Frelserens nåde, blev hans enkle sprog veltalende på grund af den kærlighed, der gennemstrømmede hele hans væsen.