It was in the upper room at the Last Supper, and Jesus had just told His disciples that one of them would betray Him.
5 times (5 = unmerited favor), the term, “whom Jesus loved” refers to a specific disciple.
1. The Last Supper
It was in the upper room at the Last Supper, and Jesus had just told His disciples that one of them would betray Him.
“One of His disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side,” (John 13:23)
Then Peter motioned to that disciple, who is John, to ask Jesus which one would betray Him. Jesus told John, but kept that knowledge from the rest of the disciples.
2. The Crucifixion
It was at the cross, when Jesus hung there in agony.
“When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’” (John 19:26)
Then Jesus told John to take care of His mother, and John did, for the rest of her life.
3. The Resurrection
It was when Jesus had risen from the dead, and Mary Magdalene had just seen the stone rolled away from the tomb.
“So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.’” (John 20:2)
Then Peter and John ran to the tomb, but John outran Peter. John saw the grave clothes and no body, but didn’t enter the tomb. Peter ran up and entered the tomb.
“Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed” (John 20:8)
4. The Miracle of the Fish
It was when the disciples were on the boat and a man on the shore told them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat, and when they did, they caught a miraculous number of fish.
“That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore says to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea.” (John 21:7a)
Then Peter hauled the fish ashore by himself. Even though the other disciples were unable to as a group.
5. Following Jesus
It was just after Jesus had asked Peter if he loved Him unconditionally twice and loved Him as a friend once. Jesus was telling Peter to follow Him.
“Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them…” (John 21:20a)
Then Peter asked about John, and Jesus said, “… what is that to you? You follow me!” v22
Summary
When you know Jesus loves you…
You will be so close to Him that He will tell you the things that are bothering Him.
You will be there when no one else is and He will trust you with what is most important to Him.
You will run to Him the fastest and trust Him the soonest.
You will recognize Him easily, and encourage others to stop working and run to Him as you have.
You will not need Him to tell you to follow Him. You will already be unconsciously following.