In the life of the disciple John true sanctification is exemplified. During the years of his close association with Christ, he was often warned and cautioned by the Saviour; and these reproofs he accepted. As the character of the Divine One was manifested to him, John saw his own deficiencies, and was humbled by the revelation. Day by day, in contrast with his own violent spirit, he beheld the tenderness and forbearance of Jesus, and heard His lessons of humility and patience. Day by day his heart was drawn out to Christ, until he lost sight of self in love for his Master. The power and tenderness, the majesty and meekness, the strength and patience, that he saw in the daily life of the Son of God, filled his soul with admiration. He yielded his resentful, ambitious temper to the molding power of Christ, and divine love wrought in him a transformation of character.

Disciplen Johannes liv er et billede på sand helliggørelse. I de år, hvor han levede så nær Kristus, fik han ofte advarsler og påmindelser af Frelseren og han tog imod disse tilrettevisninger. Efter som Kristi guddommelige natur åbenbaredes for ham, så Johannes sin egen ufuldkommenhed og følte sig ydmyget herved. Som modsætning til sit eget heftige sind så han dag efter dag Jesu kærlighed og langmodighed og hørte hans lære om ydmyghed og tålmodighed. Dag efter dag blev hans hjerte draget mod Kristus, indtil han tabte sig selv af syne i sin kærlighed til Mesteren. Den kraft og mildhed, den majestæt og sagtmodighed, den styrke og tålmodighed, som han så i Guds Søns daglige liv, fyldte hans sjæl med beundring. Han overgav sit stridige, ærgerrige sind til Kristi forvandlende kraft og Guds kærlighed bevirkede en omdannelse af hans personlighed.