It was John's deep love for Christ which led him always to desire to be close by His side. The Saviour loved all the Twelve, but John's was the most receptive spirit. He was younger than the others, and with more of the child's confiding trust he opened his heart to Jesus. Thus he came more into sympathy with Christ, and through him the Saviour's deepest spiritual teaching was communicated to the people.

Det var Johannes dybe kærlighed til Kristus, der fik ham til altid at hige efter at være ham ganske nær. Frelseren elskede alle de tolv, men Johannes havde det mest modtagelige sind. Han var yngre end de andre og med mere af et barns tillidsfuldhed åbnede han sit hjerte for Kristus. Derved kom han til at stå Kristus nærmere og gennem ham blev Frelserens dybeste, åndelige lærdomme meddelt folket.