When it comes to the disciples of Jesus, many wonder which one was closest to him. While there are different opinions on the matter, some scriptures give us a glimpse of who might have been his closest companion.
Peter:
Peter is undoubtedly one of the most well-known disciples of Jesus. He was one of the first disciples to be called by Jesus and was present during many significant events in Jesus’ life. Peter was also known for his impulsive nature, which sometimes got him into trouble.
In Matthew 16:13-20, we see Peter declaring that Jesus is the Messiah, and Jesus responds by saying that this revelation came from God. This event shows that Peter had a deep understanding of who Jesus was and what he came to do. Additionally, in John 21:15-19, we see Jesus asking Peter three times if he loves him and instructing him to take care of his sheep.
John:
John is often referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” in the Gospel of John (13:23, 19:26, 20:2, 21:7). This phrase has led many to believe that John had a special relationship with Jesus. Additionally, John was present during some key moments in Jesus’ life like his crucifixion and resurrection.
In John 21:20-24, we see Peter asking about John’s fate after hearing about his own. This exchange shows that there may have been a close relationship between the two disciples.
Judas Iscariot:
Judas Iscariot is known for betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). Despite this betrayal, Judas was still chosen as one of the twelve disciples and was entrusted with handling their finances (John 12:6).
It’s important to note that just because Judas betrayed Jesus doesn’t necessarily mean that he wasn’t close to him. In fact, in Matthew 26:25, Judas asks Jesus if he’s the one who will betray him, indicating that there may have been a level of intimacy between them.
Conclusion:
While we can’t say for sure which disciple was closest to Jesus, it’s clear that Peter, John, and even Judas had significant relationships with him. Each disciple brought something different to the table and played an important role in spreading the message of Jesus.
As we study the lives of these disciples, we can gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ ministry and what it means for us today.