A Life of St. John for the Young

by George Ludington Weed

CHAPTER I
A HOME IN THE BLESSED LAND, BY THE SACRED SEA
A Fitting Study for the Young—The Glory of all Lands—Divisions of
Palestine—Galilee—People of Galilee—Gennesaret and its
Surroundings—Comparisons—Jewish Sayings—McCheyne—Towns,
Villages and Palaces—Fisheries—Bethsaida	[19]
CHAPTER II
FIVE BOYS OF BETHSAIDA—RAMBLES ABOUT HOME
Five Apostles of Jesus—Two Pair of Brothers—Salome—Brothers
Indeed—Views from a Hilltop—View of the Lake—Poetic
Description—Rambles North of the Lake—On the West—Keble's
Poem—Answer to the Poet's Question—The Sower—Object Lessons of
the Great Teacher—Mount of Beatitudes—Nature's Influence on
John—Philip	[24]
CHAPTER III
JOHN'S ROYAL KINDRED
Salome and Mary Sisters—John and Jesus Cousins—Visit to
Bethsaida—Visit to Nazareth—A Picture of the Boy Jesus—The
Picture a Help—A Phrase to Remember—A Kinsman of John and
Jesus—Education—The Messiah	[31]
CHAPTER IV
THE GREAT EXPECTATION IN JOHN'S DAY
Prophecy Concerning the Messiah—Jewish Mistakes—Roman
Conquest—Judas of Galilee—The Five Bethsaidan Boys—John and
Peter	[35]
CHAPTER V
EARLY INFLUENCES ON CHARACTER
Special Influences on the Five—Scripture Students—Rabbi Like
Simeon, or a Teacher—Prophetess Like Anna—Home Teaching—From the
Five to Two—Salome and Her Sons—Review—Boyhood
Traits—Imperfections—Perfection	[39]
CHAPTER VI
FIRST VISIT IN JERUSALEM
Jewish Boy at Twelve—Interest in the First Pilgrimage—John's
Journey—The Jordan Ford—City, Temple and Altar—John and
Saul—Silent Years—Parental Thoughts Concerning John	[44]
CHAPTER VII
JOHN'S VIEW OF THE COMING MESSIAH
John's Old Testament Studies—First Gospel Promise—Promises to
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—Promise to David—Mary and
Immanuel—Names and Titles of the Messiah—John's Misreading of the
Old Testament—Christ's Sufferings	[48]
CHAPTER VIII
JESUS THE HIDDEN MESSIAH
The Infancy of Jesus Forgotten—Our Ignorance of Christ's
Childhood—The Boy in the Temple—The Carpenter's Silent Years	[53]
CHAPTER IX
"THE PROPHET OF THE MOST HIGH"
Elizabeth and Her John—A Father's Prophecy—The Prophet in the
Wilderness—Young Men of Galilee—The Hermit—His Galilean
Disciples—His Public Ministry—His Hearers—His Preaching—St.
John the Baptist—St. John of Galilee	[57]
CHAPTER X
THE MESSIAH FOUND
"Jesus from Galilee to Jordan"—Baptism of
Jesus—Temptation—"Behold the Lamb of God"—Andrew and John with
the Baptist—Our First Knowledge of John of Galilee—Parting of the
Baptist and Jesus—The Two St. Johns and Jesus—Following Jesus in
the Way—Blessed Invitation Accepted—Precious Memories—Change of
Discipleship—Silence of John—Disciples at Emmaus—Brothers
Brought to Jesus—Memorials of Andrew—John's Memories of His First
Day with Jesus—Philip—Nathanael—Jesus' First Disciples—John the
Nearest to Him	[63]
CHAPTER XI
JOHN A WEDDING GUEST
Invited Guests to a Marriage Feast—Words of Mary and Jesus
Concerning Wine—Three Commands of Jesus—First
Miracle—Belshazzar's Feast—Believing Disciples—Believing
Samaritans—What John Might Have Written—First Miracle, for
Innocent Joy—John and Mary at the Feast—Mary's Thoughts of John
and Her Sons—Her Thoughts of Jesus	[72]
CHAPTER XII
JOHN AND NICODEMUS
Reasons for a Night Visit to Jesus—John's Possible Abode in
Jerusalem—Nicodemus Goes Thither—His Conversation With
Jesus—Seven Great Truths—Golden Text of the Bible—Golden Truth
of John—Tradition of Nicodemus	[79]
CHAPTER XIII
ST. JOHN AND THE SAMARITANESS
John's Record—With the Master—Valley and Well—A Personal
Privilege—John With Jesus at the Well—Memories of the
Region—Abraham—Thoughts of the Future—A Samaritaness—Strange
Request—Living Water—Greater than Jacob—Difference in
Waters—Woman's Request—Jesus a Prophet—Place and Spirit of True
Worship—"Messiah Cometh"—John an Earnest Listener—Jesus'
Revelation of Himself—Changed Name for the Well—Wonder of the
Disciples—The Samaritaness a Gospel Messenger—Unknown
Meat—John's Watchful Eye—His Story of the Well—A Memorable Hour
for Him	[84]
CHAPTER XIV
THE CHOSEN ONE OF THE CHOSEN THREE OF THE CHOSEN TWELVE
Two Pair of Brothers Mending Nets—Call of Four Disciples—Fishers
of Men—A Partner in Fishing—Followers of Him—True
Brothers—Family Ties—The Twelve Chosen—First Disciples, First
Apostles—The Inner Circles—Peter and John—John—Aaron's
Breastplate—Apostolic Stones	[92]
CHAPTER XV
JOHN IN THE HOME OF JAIRUS
A Father's Cry—Reason for Hope—Sad Message—Strength of
Faith—"Fear Not"—Curious Crowd—The Twelve and the
Three—Jealousy—Ambition—A Coming Change—John One of
Three—"Tahtha Cumi"—A Lesson for John—A Future Scene—Influence
of a Secret	[97]
CHAPTER XVI
JOHN A BEHOLDER OF CHRIST'S GLORY
Family Prayer—Sayings of Men Concerning Jesus—Saying of Peter—A
Great Need—Christ's Prophecy of His Death—Apart by
Themselves—Not Tabor, but Hermon—Thoughts of the Nine and of the
Three—Heavy with Sleep—Answers to Two Prayers of
Jesus—Transfigured—Moses and Elijah—Moses' Shining Face—The
Lord's Shining Figure—The Shechinah—A Strange Proposal—Voice
from the Clouds—Touch and Word of Jesus—Descent from Hermon—A
Great Secret—Peter's Memory of the Transfiguration—John's
Record—Greater than John the Baptist or Moses—Moses and the
Shechinah—Ungranted Request, but Answered Prayer—Hermon, a Mount
of Prayer	[101]
CHAPTER XVII
ST. JOHN'S IMPERFECTIONS
Four Reasons for Recording Failings—Jealousy and Pride—Intolerant
Spirit—Two Questions, What? and Who?—First and Last—An Object
Lesson—The Child-Spirit—Startled Disciples—John's
Confession—Lesson Not Learned—Hospitality—Samaritan
Hatred—Hospitality Refused—Indignant Brothers—A Story of
Elijah—Fiery Spirit of James and John—Rebuked by Jesus—Ambitious
Brothers—Mother's Request—Sons' Request—Sorrowing Lord's Reply
and Thoughts—Two Thrones—Though Imperfect, a Grand Character	[111]
CHAPTER XVIII
JOHN AND THE FAMILY OF BETHANY
John's View of a Family Group—His Relation to It—A Sad Message
and the Reply—The Lord's Delay and Concealed Purpose—A Possible
Thought of John's—John and Thomas—"Our Friend"—"Sleepeth"—John
an Eye-witness—Mary and Jesus—"Jesus Wept"—Mourning
Disciple—Glorified Father and Son—Jesus with Martha at the
Tomb—Repeated Command, "Arise"—The Release from the Tomb—John a
Companion in Joy—John's Memory of Mary—Lazarus' Tomb and Jesus'
Cross—A Tradition of Lazarus	[120]
CHAPTER XIX
JOHN'S MEMORIAL OF MARY
A Scene in Bethany—An Unfinished Picture—John with Manuscripts of
Matthew and Mark—A Great Event not Understood—A Joyful Meeting—A
Supper in Honor—A Fitting Place—Omitted Names—An Unnamed Woman
Named—Mary's Cruse—Interested Witnesses—An Unusual Anointing—An
Unwoven Towel—Odor of the Ointment—Judas the Grumbler—Jesus'
Defence of Mary—A Prophecy—John the Preserver of Mary's
Name—Prophecy Fulfilled—Judas and Mary—Judas and the Chief
Priests—A Group of Three—A Sublime Action—A Group of Four	[128]
CHAPTER XX
JOHN A HERALD OF THE KING
The Messiah-King—The Prophetic Colt—The Lord's Need—The Lord's
Heralds—Hosannas—Disciples' Thoughts—Changed Earthly
Scenes—Lamb on Earth and in Heaven—A Prophecy Recalled—Twice a
Herald	[138]
CHAPTER XXI
WITH THE MASTER ON OLIVET
The Lord in His Temple—His Farewell to It—Admiring Disciples—Sad
Prophecy—The Two Pair of Brothers on Olivet—A Sacred Memory—The
Poet Milman's View from Olivet—Unanswered Question—The Coming
Fall of Jerusalem—The Poet Heber's Lament Over Jerusalem	[142]
CHAPTER XXII
JOHN A PROVIDER OF THE PASSOVER
The Betrayer—A Lamb and a Place—Not Judas, but Peter and John—A
Secret Sign—The Goodman of the House—A New Friendship—Upper
Room—"Furnished"—"Prepared"—Paschal Lamb—Child Memories—John
and the Baptist—Temple Worship—Obeying Silver Trumpets—Slaying
of the Lamb—Chant and Response—Lamb and Lamps—Alone with
Jesus—Jerusalem Chamber—John and the Upper Room	[148]
CHAPTER XXIII
JOHN'S MEMORIES OF THE UPPER ROOM
The Open Door of the Upper Room—Door Ajar—Revelation by John—Two
Statements by Luke—Cause of Contention—John's Relation to the
Quarrel—Sittings at the Table—John and Judas Beside Jesus—Two
Things About Jesus—Grieved Spirit—Bethany Recalled—A Great
Contrast—Love and Reproof—Lesson Ended—A Sacred Relic—A Guest
an Enemy—Troubled Spirit—"Verily, Verily"—Looking and
Doubting—John's Gaze—"Is It I?"—Peter and the Great
Secret—Jesus' Hint of the Great Secret—Meaning of the Sop—Judas
and Satan—Departure of Judas—"It Was Night"—A New Name—A New
Command—Farewell Words and Prayer and Song—Closed Door to be
Opened Again	[154]
CHAPTER XXIV
ST. JOHN WITH JESUS IN GETHSEMANE
An Eye-witness—Departure from the Upper
Room—Kidron—Gethsemane—Olive Trees—John's Memories—Garden
Owner—Charge to the Nine—Mt. Moriah—Final Charge—A
Prophecy—Companions in Glory and Sorrow—A Sad Change—John Beside
Jesus—Sorrowful Soul—Charge to the Three—Jesus Alone—Jesus Seen
and Heard—Garden Angel—Agonizing Prayer—Sleeping
Disciples—Midnight Scene—Sleeping for Sorrow—Awakening
Call—Flesh and Spirit—Repeated Prayer—Victory—"Arise"—Path of
Prayer—Gathered Band—Lighted Way—Empty Upper Room—John's
Contrasted Memories—Betrayal Sign—Warning Cry—Unshrinking
Purpose—The Meeting—Traitor's Kiss—Marred Visage—Repeated
Question and Answer—Two Bands—One Request—Peter's Sword—Changed
Voice—A Captive and Legions of Angels—The Fleeing Disciples	[163]
CHAPTER XXV
JOHN IN THE HIGH PRIEST'S PALACE
Flight of the Nine—Captive Lord—Peter and John Following—The
Palace—Disciple Within and Disciple Without—Peter Brought In—The
First Denial—John's Watch of Peter—Peter's Tears—His
Restlessness—His Sin and John's Silence—Three Turning and
Looking—John's Pity for Peter—John and Pilate—Christ a
King—"What is Truth?"—The Mocked King—"Behold the Man"—"Behold
your King"—John the Faithful Watcher and Comforter	[176]
CHAPTER XXVI
JOHN THE LONE DISCIPLE AT THE CROSS
Following the Cross—Jesus Bearing the Cross—Wearing the Thorny
Crown—Great Multitude Following—"Daughters of
Jerusalem"—Calvary—John's Memories—Group of Four
Enemies—Seamless Coat—Casting Lots—Jesus and the Gamblers—Three
Marys and Salome—John their Companion—A Contrast—Other
Apostles—John and Salome—A Mother's Love—Mary's Thoughts—Sword
of Anguish—Comfort in Sorrow—Lonely Future—Loyal Son—New
Relation—Mary's Return from the Cross—Why John Her Guardian—A
Poet's Words to John—In the New Home	[184]
CHAPTER XXVII
JOHN THE LONE DISCIPLE AT THE CROSS—CONTINUED
"I Thirst"—"It Is Finished"—The Bowed Head—The Women and
John—His Anxious Thoughts Relieved—Pierced Side—Two
Prophecies—Prayer in Song—Joseph of Arimathæa—Nicodemus—Two
Secret Friends of Jesus—Two Gardens—The Stone Closing the
Tomb—Two Mourners at the Tomb—John's Thoughts on Leaving the Tomb
	[195]
CHAPTER XXVIII
JOHN AT THE TOMB
John and Mary Magdalene—Mary's Mistaken Inference—Her Report to
Peter and John—Their Hastening Toward the Tomb—John Alone at the
Tomb—Silent Witnesses—Peter's Entry and Discovery—John Within
the Tomb—The Rolled Napkin—Seeing and Believing—Lingering in the
Tomb—The Return from the Tomb—Weeping Mary—Silence of
Angels—Mary and the Angels—Jesus Unknown to Mary—"Mary" and
"Rabboni"—John's Two Records of Mary—Day of Days—Evening
Benedictions—Pierced Side—Close of John's Gospel	[204]
CHAPTER XXIX
"WHAT SHALL THIS MAN DO?"
An Added Chapter—Old Scenes Revived—Following Peter—Stranger on
the Shore—John and Peter—John's Remembrance of the Miracle—"Fire
of Coals"—Reverent Guests—"Lovest Thou Me?"—"Feed My Lambs and
Sheep"—An Interested Listener—A Prophecy—John Following
Peter—Question and Answer—Mistake Corrected by John—Partial
Answer to Peter's Questions—A Former Hour Recalled	[212]
CHAPTER XXX
ST. JOHN A PILLAR-APOSTLE IN THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH
On a Mount in Galilee—The Great Commission—Waiting for the
Promised Comforter—Words of the Baptist Recalled—A Revived Hope
and a Question—Jesus' Reply—The Ascension—Angels' Question—"The
Upper Chamber"—Luke's Lists of the Apostles—The Lord's Mother,
Brethren and Sisters—The Day of Pentecost—A Great
Miracle—Pentecostal Gifts to John—Evening Prayer—Beautiful
Gate—Lame man—A Gift Better than Alms—John Twice a
Prisoner—Prison Angel—Preaching of Philip—John Sent to
Samaria—John and the Samaritaness—His Changed Spirit—Death of
James—The Pillar Apostles	[219]
CHAPTER XXXI
LAST DAYS
Last Record—Meeting of Paul and John—Years of Silence—Leaving
Jerusalem—New Home in Ephesus—City and Temple—Paul and
John—Churches of Asia Minor—John in Patmos—Solitude—The Lord's
Day—Aid to Meditation—Calm and Turmoil—A Voice and a Command—A
Contrast—"As One Dead"—The Eagle—John's Three Kinds of
Writings—The Revelation—John's Gospel—His First Epistle—The
Apostle of Love—His Second Epistle—The Apostle of
Childhood—"Little Children, Love one Another"—John's Death	[231]
CHAPTER XXXII
A RETROSPECT
Boyhood—The Disciple—What John Saw—What He Heard—What He Made
Known—John a Reflector of Christ—Alone in History—Our Glimpses
of Him—In Everlasting Remembrance on Earth—With His Lord in
Heaven	[241]
CHAPTER XXXIII
LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS OF ST. JOHN
St. John and the Robber-Chief—St. John and the Partridge—"Little
Children, Love One Another"—Miraculous Preservation from
Death—The Empty Grave—The Heaving Grave	[251]