St John the Evangelist, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, played a unique role in the history of Christianity. His mission went beyond the simple acts of a disciple: it unfolded in his closeness to Jesus, his role as a witness, his teaching through his writings, and his faithfulness in transmitting the Christian message. Immersed in a profound theology and marked by a universal vision of love, Saint John's mission continues to inspire believers down the centuries.
The beloved disciple: a mission of intimacy with Jesus
St John's mission begins with his call as a disciple. A fisherman by trade and the son of Zebedee, he follows Jesus with his brother James. He soon becomes one of the three apostles closest to Christ, alongside Peter and James.
Witness the crucial moments:
John is present at the Transfiguration, a moment when Jesus reveals his divine glory. He is also at Jesus' side in the Garden of Gethsemane, attending his prayer before the Passion. These moments show that John's mission includes not only teaching, but also a deep spiritual intimacy with Christ.
At the foot of the Cross:
John is the only apostle who remained faithful right up to the crucifixion. It is at this point that Jesus entrusts him with an exceptional mission: to care for Mary, the mother of Jesus. By saying, "Behold your mother", Jesus broadens John's mission, making him a spiritual protector not only of Mary, but also of the nascent Church.
A mission of writing and witness
St John is traditionally regarded as the author of several fundamental New Testament texts: the Gospel according to John, three epistles (1 John, 2 John, 3 John) and the Apocalypse. These writings are an essential part of his mission, as they convey not only the message of Christ, but also a profound theological reflection on love, light, and truth.
The Gospel according to John
In contrast to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), the Gospel of John focuses more on Jesus' speeches and his divinity. It presents Jesus as the Incarnate Word ("In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" - John 1:1).
Theological mission: John's Gospel aims to make it clear that Jesus is the Son of God, come to save humanity. John invites believers to enter into a personal relationship with Christ by meditating on his words and deeds.
The Epistles of John
In his letters, John exhorts the first Christian communities to live in love and truth. He combats heresies and reminds them that God's love is manifested in brotherly love.
Pastoral mission:John's epistles show his role as a spiritual guide and pastor, encouraging believers to remain faithful to the truth of the Gospel.
The Apocalypse
Written on the island of Patmos, the Apocalypse is a prophetic text in which John conveys visions of God's ultimate victory over evil.
Prophetic mission: the Apocalypse is a message of hope for persecuted Christians, reminding them that Christ will triumph and evil will be defeated.
A mission of love: at the heart of the Christian message
John is often called "the Apostle of love". This title reflects not only his closeness to Jesus, but also the importance he gives to this theme in his writings.
Love as the central commandment: In the Gospel and the epistles, John emphasises that love is the heart of the Christian faith. He recalls Jesus' words, "Love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34). This mission of love remains a cornerstone of Christian teaching.
A universal love: For John, love is not limited to an emotion or a personal relationship. It is a deep commitment to God and to others, transcending human divisions.
A mission of faithfulness and perseverance
John's mission does not end with Jesus' death. After the Resurrection, he became a pillar of the early Church. According to tradition, John settled in Ephesus, where he guided the first Christian communities.
Protector of the Church: John watched over the believers, passing on Jesus' teachings and urging them to remain faithful in the face of persecution and heresy.
An example of perseverance: Unlike most of the apostles, John did not die a martyr's death. He is said to have lived to a ripe old age, bearing witness to the enduring faithfulness of a disciple of Christ.
A universal mission: a timeless legacy
St John's mission is not limited to his own time. His writings and example continue to influence believers across the centuries. He is a model of faith, love, and contemplation for all who seek to deepen their relationship with God.
A spiritual guide: John's teachings invite us to live an authentic Christian life, based on love and truth.
A powerful intercessor: Saint John is often prayed to as an intercessor, particularly to obtain a deeper faith, an understanding of the divine mysteries, and the strength to love like Jesus.
Conclusion
St John's mission is multifaceted: he is a witness, a writer, a spiritual guide and a model of love. Through his closeness to Jesus, his inspired writings and his unwavering fidelity, he embodies what it means to be a disciple of Christ. His mission, rooted in love and truth, remains a source of inspiration for all those who seek to follow the path of faith. Saint John shows us that the true Christian mission is to live in communion with God and to pass on his love to the world.
