John the Apostle began as a fisherman, a tough and unglamorous job. Picture him and his brother James rising before dawn, hauling heavy nets, and reeking of fish. Alongside their father, Zebedee, they worked tirelessly on the unpredictable Sea of Galilee.
When Jesus called John, he left everything—his boat, his nets, and his family—without hesitation. This immediate obedience reveals the depth of his trust in Jesus. John gave up the life he knew for a calling he didn’t fully understand but believed was worth everything.
John’s relationship with Jesus was uniquely close. The Bible calls him “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” At the Last Supper, John leaned on Jesus, a quiet gesture reflecting their deep bond and trust.
John witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in Jesus’ ministry. He was there at the Transfiguration and stayed with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane during Jesus’ darkest hours. At the crucifixion, John stood faithfully at the foot of the cross beside Mary.
Unlike the other apostles, who faced violent deaths for their faith, John lived to an impressive old age. He spent his final years encouraging believers and writing the Book of Revelation around 95 AD. This means he did his most famous work in his nineties.
John’s life also gave us one of the most quoted verses in history: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” From a hardworking fisherman to the last surviving apostle, John’s journey reminds us of the transformative power of love, faith, and surrendering to God’s call.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.