{"id":15926,"date":"2022-01-14T09:19:05","date_gmt":"2022-01-14T09:19:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/?p=15926"},"modified":"2024-02-22T10:26:56","modified_gmt":"2024-02-22T10:26:56","slug":"call-down-fire-from-heaven-disciple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/call-down-fire-from-heaven-disciple\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Lessons From the Disciple Who Called Fire From Heaven"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have you heard of this disciple who attempted to call down fire from heaven? Who was he? Why did he do it? What was the story behind it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this article, discover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Who this disciple was as a person and a follower of Jesus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The story behind calling down fire from heaven and why he did it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How this incident changed him<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The lessons you can learn from this story<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong style=\"user-select: auto;\">Who Was This Disciple<\/strong><strong> Who Wanted to Call Down Fire From Heaven<\/strong><strong style=\"user-select: auto;\">?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>Let&#8217;s trace his family background.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/John-lineage-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"John&#039;s genealogy\" class=\"wp-image-15815\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/John-lineage-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/John-lineage-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/John-lineage-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/John-lineage-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/John-lineage-500x280.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/John-lineage-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/John-lineage-1100x619.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/John-lineage-350x197.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/John-lineage-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/John-lineage-900x506.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/John-lineage.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo credit:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=E8jpqeg8Gws\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=E8jpqeg8Gws<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/bible-heroes\/story-of-john\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/bible-heroes\/story-of-john\/\">John<\/a> was one of the \u201csons of Zebedee\u201d (Luke 5:10, ESV). His brother was James (Mark 3:17).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Who was his mother?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Bible mentions three Marys. Two of them were <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/bible-heroes\/story-of-mary-magdalene\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/bible-heroes\/story-of-mary-magdalene\/\">Mary Magdalene<\/a> and Mary, the mother of James and Joseph. The third one was Salome, \u201cthe mother of the sons of Zebedee\u201d (Matthew 27:55-56; Mark 15:40, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Based on this, Salome was John\u2019s mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>What was his occupation?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like his father and brother, John was a fisherman. In fact, he was mending his nets when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/bible-heroes\/story-of-jesus\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/bible-heroes\/story-of-jesus\/\">Jesus<\/a> saw him and invited him to be His disciple (Matthew 4:21).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These brothers were with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/bible-heroes\/peter-the-rock\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/bible-heroes\/peter-the-rock\/\">Peter<\/a> and Andrew in this livelihood. Unfortunately, they couldn\u2019t eat their catch of fresh fish due to an agreement with the tax collector<sup><a href=\"#footnote_1_15926\" id=\"identifier_1_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Oakman, in Deni Rene YouTube Channel, 2017\">1<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zmJ_vwcyRVA?start=215\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is, fresh fish would be for the rich people\u2019s consumption only. The fisherman could only get processed fish in return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfair, isn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But John had good experiences as a fisherman too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For instance, one night, he was fishing with some of the disciples. Unfortunately, they caught nothing. When Jesus saw them the next day, He told them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat.a<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Did you know that? They caught 153 fish (John 21:11)! Their fishing nets were so heavy that they couldn\u2019t pull them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can you believe it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>What were his evangelistic roles?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>As a disciple<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">John was one of Jesus\u2019 closest disciples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He belonged to the intimate three with Peter and James. They were with Jesus during His transfiguration (Luke 9:28), healing ministry (Mark 5:37), and almost all of His significant activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What a privilege to witness every moment of Jesus\u2019 ministry firsthand!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, John sat next to Him during the Last Supper. He leaned on His bosom while having an intimate conversation with Him (John 13:23-26).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/john-beside-jesus-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Heroes: Jesus and the 12 disciples\" class=\"wp-image-15993\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/john-beside-jesus-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/john-beside-jesus-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/john-beside-jesus-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/john-beside-jesus-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/john-beside-jesus-500x280.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/john-beside-jesus-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/john-beside-jesus-1100x619.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/john-beside-jesus-350x197.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/john-beside-jesus-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/john-beside-jesus-900x506.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/john-beside-jesus.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo credit: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He even ambitioned to occupy one of the two sides of His throne in heaven (Mark 10:37). Such confidence!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nevertheless, he was Jesus\u2019 trusted disciple to take care of His mother Mary when He was about to die on the cross (John 19:26-27).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Such trust!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>As an apostle<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After Jesus\u2019 ascension, John worked with Peter in establishing the early Christian church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These apostles pioneered the first activities. They preached the Pentecost sermon after receiving the Holy Spirit in tongues of fire (Acts 2:1-41).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Tongues-of-fire-1024x577-1.jpg\" alt=\"Heroes: Tongues of fire on the apostles\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo credit: Economist<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">John preached \u201cwith great zeal and success\u201d<sup><a href=\"#footnote_2_15926\" id=\"identifier_2_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Ellen White, The Sanctified Life, 70.1\">2<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He had a \u201ctestimony of power\u201d his opponents \u201ccould not controvert.\u201d It \u201cencouraged his brethren\u201d and they admired his wisdom, conviction, and sincerity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>As an evangelist<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">John was passionate about preaching to the extent that the Roman Empire condemned and tried him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Emperor Domitian put him in a pot of burning oil while Aristodemus, the chief priest, challenged him to drink poison<sup><a href=\"#footnote_3_15926\" id=\"identifier_3_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Wilson, 2020\">3<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And there was a dare! If it did not harm the apostle, he would believe in the God he claimed<sup><a href=\"#footnote_4_15926\" id=\"identifier_4_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Early Christian Writings, 2021\">4<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But did you know what? The boiling oil did not burn him and the poison did not hurt him. So, he continued preaching<sup><a href=\"#footnote_3_15926\" id=\"identifier_5_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Wilson, 2020\">3<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With this, John claimed God\u2019s promise that if people \u201cdrink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them\u201d (Mark 16:18, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Could you picture yourself in this trial? How much would you be willing to suffer for Christ\u2019s sake?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, John\u2019s enthusiasm for preaching caused his exile to Patmos\u2014all alone on an island. No one to talk to. No entertainment. Boring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/az333960.vo.msecnd.net\/images-4\/saint-john-the-evangelist-on-patmos-pedro-orrente-1620-63e23526.jpg\" alt=\"Heroes: John&#039;s vision at Patmos\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo credit: Useum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But guess what? In this place, he received visions from God concerning the \u201cevents that would take place in the closing scenes of this earth\u2019s history\u201d<sup><a href=\"#footnote_5_15926\" id=\"identifier_6_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Ellen White, The Acts of the Apostles, 570.4\">5<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How would you like to see a glimpse of the future too?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aside from this, John was able to study closer than ever God\u2019s work of creation and His skillful wisdom. He has seen His power and glory through nature<sup><a href=\"#footnote_6_15926\" id=\"identifier_7_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Ellen White, The Acts of the Apostles, 571.2\">6<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Story of Calling Down Fire From Heaven<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>Where did it happen?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/samaria-2.jpg\" alt=\"Heroes: Map of Samaria\" class=\"wp-image-16646\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/samaria-2.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/samaria-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/samaria-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/samaria-2-500x280.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/samaria-2-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/samaria-2-350x197.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/samaria-2-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/samaria-2-900x506.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo credit: Bible Atlas<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do you remember Jesus\u2019 encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well? Where was it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, it was in Samaria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And it was here Jesus and His disciples passed by going to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>Now, the &#8220;calling down fire&#8221; incident<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Approaching a Samaritan village, Jesus asked James and John to look for food and lodging (Luke 9:52).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wait, Samaritan village? For sure, you remember the good Samaritan\u2019s story (verses 25-37 of chapter 10).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two men saw a helpless Jew. But they ignored him and passed by. Only the Samaritan stopped where he was. He pitied the man, brought him to his inn, and took care of him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With that hospitality shown by the good Samaritan, would this Samaritan village accommodate Jesus as well?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, the people did not receive Him (verse 53 of chapter 9).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How come?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There was a history of hostility between the Jews and the Samaritans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the Jews returned from Babylonian captivity, they rejected the Samaritans\u2019 welcome. Similarly, when the latter volunteered to join Jerusalem\u2019s rebuilding, the former declined them (Ezra 4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With this, the Samaritans were probably taking revenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Going back to the village scene, the Samaritans\u2019 rude behavior and inhospitality triggered James and John. They asked Jesus, \u201cLord, do You want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?\u201d (Luke 9:54, NIV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/angry-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Heroes: Hands clasped in anger\" class=\"wp-image-15972\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/angry-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/angry-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/angry-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/angry-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/angry-1-500x280.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/angry-1-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/angry-1-1100x619.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/angry-1-350x197.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/angry-1-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/angry-1-900x506.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/angry-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo credit: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can you imagine how angry they were? If you were in their place, how would you react?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>How did Jesus deal with this tension?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For that display of high temper and impatience, Jesus reprimanded James and John exclaiming, \u201cYou do not know what kind of spirit you are of\u201d (Luke 9:55, MEV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As such, Jesus called them \u201cBoanerges,\u201d meaning \u201csons of thunder,\u201d \u201csons of tumult,\u201d or \u201csons of wrath\u201d (Mark 3:17, ESV)<sup><a href=\"#footnote_7_15926\" id=\"identifier_8_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 5, 595.17\">7<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And He reminded them of His mission that \u201cGod did not send His Son&#8221; to &#8220;condemn the world\u201d but to save it (John 3:17, NIV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What an eye-opening realization! If you were James or John, what would you feel? How would it change the way you treat the Samaritan villagers?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Did John Learn From This Encounter?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">John must have felt ashamed of what he and his brother did. But he has seen Jesus\u2019 unconditional love for sinners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite their sinfulness, He wanted them all to receive salvation. That is if they would \u201cbelieve and receive Christ\u201d<sup><a href=\"#footnote_8_15926\" id=\"identifier_9_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 5, 930.17\">8<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With this, John felt Jesus\u2019 love for him on a personal level. This is evident in calling himself \u201cthe disciple whom Jesus loved\u201d several times in His Gospel (John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2, 21:7, 21:20).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wait, doesn\u2019t it sound arrogant? Well, on the surface, it seems like it. But it was only John\u2019s way of manifesting God\u2019s grace and love<sup><a href=\"#footnote_9_15926\" id=\"identifier_10_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Fong, 2016\">9<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10 Lessons to Learn From This Hot-tempered Disciple<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>1) Like anyone else, you sin.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/confused-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Heroes: Man tempted to sin\" class=\"wp-image-15986\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/confused-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/confused-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/confused-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/confused-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/confused-500x280.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/confused-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/confused-1100x619.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/confused-350x197.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/confused-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/confused-900x506.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/confused.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo credit: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like John, \u201call have sinned and [fallen] short of the glory of God\u201d (Romans 3:23, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What causes sin?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe heart is deceitful above all things.\u201d It is \u201csick\u201d that you can hardly understand (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your selfish desire lures and entices you. When it \u201chas conceived,\u201d it \u201cgives birth to sin.\u201d And when your sin has \u201cgrown,\u201d it \u201cbrings forth death\u201d (James 1:14-15, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With this, there exists a \u201cwaging war\u201d against the law of your mind, making you \u201ccaptive to the law of sin\u201d (Romans 7:23, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking of the law, \u201ceveryone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness\u201d (1 John 3:4, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is because \u201cno one who abides in [God] keeps on sinning.\u201d And \u201cno one who keeps on sinning has either seen Him or known Him\u201d (verse 6, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, Romans 8:7-8 (ESV) states, \u201cThe mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to [His] law.\u201d True enough, if you are in the flesh, you cannot please God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong style=\"user-select: auto;\"><em style=\"user-select: auto;\">2<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>)<\/em><\/strong><strong style=\"user-select: auto;\"><em style=\"user-select: auto;\"> Jesus is a God of second chances.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Jesus-forgiveness-1024x683-1.jpg\" alt=\"Heroes: Jesus&#039; forgiveness\" class=\"wp-image-16003\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo credit: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No matter how sinful you are, God is always patient with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness.\u201d He does not wish \u201cthat any should perish.\u201d Instead, He wanted all men to \u201creach repentance\u201d (2 Peter 3:9, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is God\u2019s kindness that leads you to repentance (Romans 2:4). Comforting to know, He does not keep His anger forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, let\u2019s relate this concept to the Samaritan village incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus could have burned the Samaritan villagers as James and John requested. Worse, He could have included these aggressive brothers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But He didn&#8217;t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, as we&#8217;ve seen in the story earlier, Jesus reminded James and John of the ultimate reason He came to earth\u2014to save His people from sin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It motivated these brothers to reflect on their sinfulness and humbled them enough to feel the need for repentance. And it led to their transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can you remember the worst sin you have committed so far? You\u2019ve been guilty of it all your life that you think you no longer deserve a second chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if you confess your sins, God is faithful and willing to forgive and cleanse you from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>3) An intimate relationship with God makes a difference.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/praying-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Heroes: Man praying to God\" class=\"wp-image-15965\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/praying-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/praying-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/praying-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/praying-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/praying-500x280.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/praying-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/praying-1100x619.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/praying-350x197.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/praying-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/praying-900x506.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/praying.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo credit: Canva <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The nearer you come to God, the more He reveals Himself to you<sup><a href=\"#footnote_10_15926\" id=\"identifier_11_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Kibble, 2021\">10<\/a><\/sup>. Only in an intimate relationship with Him can you hear His voice, know His will, and understand His heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With this, humility is essential. 1 Peter 5:6 (ESV) reminds us to humble ourselves \u201cunder the mighty hand of God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By being humble, you become willing to acknowledge your sinfulness enough to seek God and turn from your wicked ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By then, God forgives and exalts you (2 Chronicles 7:14; James 4:10).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>4) Character transformation begins when you humble yourself.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/kneeling.jpg\" alt=\"Heroes: Man kneeling before Jesus\" class=\"wp-image-16010\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/kneeling.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/kneeling-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/kneeling-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/kneeling-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/kneeling-350x263.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/kneeling-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/kneeling-900x675.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo credit: Free Bible Images<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGod opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble\u201d (James 4:6, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With this, God said, \u201cIf anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me\u201d (Luke 9:23, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhen Christ calls you, He bids you come and die\u201d\u2014a form of total surrender<sup><a href=\"#footnote_11_15926\" id=\"identifier_12_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Armstrong, 2010\">11<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, \u201ctrue humility does not know that it is humble.\u201d If it does, it will be \u201cproud from the contemplation of so fine a virtue\u201d<sup><a href=\"#footnote_12_15926\" id=\"identifier_13_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Jimmy Long, 2014\">12<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, where do we see humility in John\u2019s life?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDuring the years of his close association with Christ, he was often warned and cautioned.\u201d And he accepted His reproof<sup><a href=\"#footnote_13_15926\" id=\"identifier_14_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Ellen White, Acts of the Apostles, 557.1\">13<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As John manifested God\u2019s character, he saw his deficiencies. Every day, \u201che beheld the tenderness and forbearance of Jesus.\u201d And he learned \u201cHis lessons of humility and patience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What about you? How has Jesus taught you the value of humility? How has it changed your life?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>5) Temperance brings peace.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Temperance-1024x537-1.png\" alt=\"Heroes: Woman controlling her temper\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo credit: Freepik<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Intemperance does no good but trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Proverbs 15:1 (ESV) reminds us, \u201cA soft answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a matter of fact, temperance or self-control is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit along with \u201clove, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,\u201d and \u201cgentleness\u201d (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How did it work with John\u2019s character?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEvil temper, the desire for revenge, [and] the spirit of criticism were all in the beloved disciple.\u201d Yet, Jesus saw in him a potential to change for the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He discerned his \u201cardent, sincere, loving heart\u201d<sup><a href=\"#footnote_14_15926\" id=\"identifier_15_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Ellen White, Acts of the Apostles, 539.3\">14<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus rebuked John\u2019s self-seeking attitude, disappointed his ambitions, and tested his faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More so, \u201cHe revealed to him that for which his soul longed\u2014the beauty of holiness, the transforming power of love.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">True enough, from a son of thunder (Mark 3:17), John transformed into a loving, patient disciple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>6) Zeal works better with love and wisdom.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Jesus-preaching-1024x437-1.jpg\" alt=\"Heroes: Jesus preaching\" class=\"wp-image-15958\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo credit: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dictionary defines zeal as an eagerness and interest in pursuing something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But zeal alone is not enough. Romans 12:11 (ESV) says, \u201cDo not be slothful in zeal\u201d but \u201cbe fervent in spirit\u201d in serving the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moreover, zeal \u201cnot according to knowledge\u201d is unrighteous (verses 2 and 3 of chapter 10, ESV). In other words, if you seek to establish on your own, you do not submit to God\u2019s righteousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Indeed, it is &#8220;earnest Christian zeal\u201d that is necessary. It is \u201cmanifested by doing something\u201d<sup><a href=\"#footnote_15_15926\" id=\"identifier_16_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Ellen White, Christian Service, 229.6\">15<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In connection to this, if you are a zealous Christian, you will always keep your interest in God\u2019s cause. Your enthusiasm will give you power with men (Acts 18:25-28)<sup><a href=\"#footnote_16_15926\" id=\"identifier_17_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 6, 621.11\">16<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you accept Christ as your personal Savior, you will long for the privilege of serving Him<sup><a href=\"#footnote_17_15926\" id=\"identifier_18_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Ellen White, Christian Service, 229.7\">17<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With this, your heart will be \u201cmoved with boundless love and adoring gratitude\u201d which you will express by devoting your abilities in His service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This transforming love of Christ was evident in John\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From an ill-tempered disciple, he became a fervent, earnest, and powerful preacher<sup><a href=\"#footnote_16_15926\" id=\"identifier_19_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 6, 621.11\">16<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>7) Jesus can be your best friend.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20_FB_LUMO_Jesus_Disciples_1024.jpg\" alt=\"Heroes: Jesus walking with His disciples\" class=\"wp-image-16024\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20_FB_LUMO_Jesus_Disciples_1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20_FB_LUMO_Jesus_Disciples_1024-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20_FB_LUMO_Jesus_Disciples_1024-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20_FB_LUMO_Jesus_Disciples_1024-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20_FB_LUMO_Jesus_Disciples_1024-350x263.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20_FB_LUMO_Jesus_Disciples_1024-700x525.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/20_FB_LUMO_Jesus_Disciples_1024-900x675.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo credit: Free Bible Images<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Have you ignored a friend when you met a new acquaintance? How did your old friend feel?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, \u201cthis is the way we treat Jesus.\u201d We &#8220;forget that He is our Companion. We engage in conversation and never mention His name\u201d<sup><a href=\"#footnote_18_15926\" id=\"identifier_20_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Ellen White, Our Higher Calling, 55.3\">18<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, suppose you\u2019ve lost a family. You felt alone and hopeless as if the world was against you. You couldn\u2019t bear the misery and wanted to end your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet, God worked things out to give you hope. He used people to raise you and give you a new life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whenever you look back to this experience, you realize that God has never left you, after all. Indeed, He is \u201ca friend who sticks closer than a brother\u201d (Proverbs 18:24, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>8) Take God&#8217;s love wherever you go.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/helping-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Heroes: Man teaching kids\" class=\"wp-image-15951\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/helping-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/helping-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/helping-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/helping-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/helping-500x280.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/helping-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/helping-1100x619.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/helping-350x197.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/helping-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/helping-900x506.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/helping.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo credit: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">John called himself \u201cthe disciple whom Jesus loved.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we&#8217;ve learned earlier, this designation is not meant to boast of himself. Instead, it is his way of reflecting God\u2019s love<sup><a href=\"#footnote_9_15926\" id=\"identifier_21_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Fong, 2016\">9<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like Moses and Jonah, John testifies that God is \u201cmerciful,\u201d \u201cgracious,\u201d \u201cslow to anger,\u201d and \u201cabounding in steadfast love and faithfulness\u201d (Exodus 34:6, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, God pardons iniquity and passes over transgression for you. He does not keep His anger forever because \u201cHe delights in steadfast love\u201d (Micah 7:18, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Indeed, God\u2019s love is more than enough for you to uphold in whatever you do, wherever you go. Hence, you can\u2019t help but manifest it in word and action\u2014exactly what John did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><em>9) Keep going, no matter how challenging Christian life can be.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like a rollercoaster, the Christian life is full of ups and downs. Do you agree?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a disciple and later an apostle, John had his challenges too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For instance, he was with Peter arrested by the Sadducees for teaching about Jesus (Acts 4:1-7).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because of this, the Roman Empire condemned him, placing him in burning oil and challenging him to drink poison<sup><a href=\"#footnote_3_15926\" id=\"identifier_22_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Wilson, 2020\">3<\/a><\/sup><sup><a href=\"#footnote_4_15926\" id=\"identifier_23_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Early Christian Writings, 2021\">4<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/chained-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Heroes: Chained hands\" class=\"wp-image-17044\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/chained-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/chained-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/chained-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/chained-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/chained-500x280.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/chained-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/chained-1100x619.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/chained-350x197.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/chained-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/chained-900x506.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/chained.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo credit: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still, the apostle continued preaching even if it meant his exile at Patmos (Revelation 1:9).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There, he was alone with God and nature. Yet, it turned out to be a blessing. He learned about the \u201cevents that would take place in the closing scenes of this earth\u2019s history\u201d<sup><a href=\"#footnote_5_15926\" id=\"identifier_24_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Ellen White, The Acts of the Apostles, 570.4\">5<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What lesson can you learn from this?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV) says, \u201cBe strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you. He will not leave you [nor] forsake you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cRun with endurance the race\u201d set before you. Keep \u201clooking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith.\u201d And remember how He \u201cendured the cross\u201d (Hebrews 12:1-2, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In whatever trials of life, remember that \u201cGod is our refuge and strength.\u201d He is \u201ca very present help in trouble\u201d (Psalm 46:1, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, do not fear. The Lord establishes your steps and upholds your hands when you fall (Psalm 37:23-24).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong style=\"user-select: auto;\"><em style=\"user-select: auto;\">10<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>)<\/em><\/strong><strong style=\"user-select: auto;\"><em style=\"user-select: auto;\"> You need spiritual rebirth to enter God&#8217;s kingdom.<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/baptism-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Heroes: Man being baptized\" class=\"wp-image-16480\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/baptism-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/baptism-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/baptism-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/baptism-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/baptism-500x280.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/baptism-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/baptism-1100x619.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/baptism-350x197.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/baptism-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/baptism-900x506.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/baptism.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo credit: Canva<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cJohn\u2019s love for his Master was not a mere human friendship\u201d<sup><a href=\"#footnote_19_15926\" id=\"identifier_25_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-identifier-link\" title=\"Ellen White, The Sanctified Life, 53.3\">19<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was \u201cthe love of a repentant sinner.\u201d He felt the redemptive power of Christ\u2019s precious blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unless you are born again through the baptism of &#8220;water and the Spirit,&#8221; you &#8220;cannot see the kingdom of God&#8221; (John 3:3-5, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With this, you become \u201ca new creation\u201d as you are \u201cin Christ.&#8221; And &#8220;the old has passed away\u201d because &#8220;the new has come&#8221; (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Indeed, you always deserve a second chance. No matter how sinful and stubborn you consider yourself, God sees through your soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He sees in you a potential to change. That is if you will let Him dwell in you through the working of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">John was once a \u201cson of thunder.\u201d You saw how impatient and furious he was like his brother James.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But you have seen how God worked through his weaknesses. His love was a consuming fire that melted this disciple&#8217;s pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the end, John became a humble servant of God. He became an apostle of love, ready and firm to stand for His truth to the extent of his martyrdom and exile (Revelation 1:9).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like John, are you ready to let God transform you into His likeness? Are you willing to let go of the pride in your heart? Will you allow His consuming fire to refine your character?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To learn more about John, subscribe to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/\">Heroes: The Bible Trivia Game<\/a>, read his story on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/bible-heroes\/\">hero page<\/a>, find him in our <a href=\"https:\/\/study.heroesbibletrivia.org\/courses\/UkKryz93P\/\">Bible study course<\/a>, and download our game on <a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=org.adventist.heroes.ii&amp;pli=1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Google Play<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/heroes-2-the-bible-trivia-game\/id1529609634\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">App Store<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ol class=\"footnotes\"><li id=\"footnote_1_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Oakman, in Deni Rene YouTube Channel, 2017<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_1_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_2_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Ellen White, The Sanctified Life, 70.1<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_2_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_3_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Wilson, 2020<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_3_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_5_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_22_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_4_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Early Christian Writings, 2021<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_4_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_23_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_5_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Ellen White, The Acts of the Apostles, 570.4<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_6_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_24_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_6_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Ellen White, The Acts of the Apostles, 571.2<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_7_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_7_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 5, 595.17<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_8_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_8_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 5, 930.17<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_9_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_9_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Fong, 2016<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_10_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_21_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_10_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Kibble, 2021<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_11_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_11_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Armstrong, 2010<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_12_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_12_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Jimmy Long, 2014<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_13_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_13_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Ellen White, Acts of the Apostles, 557.1<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_14_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_14_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Ellen White, Acts of the Apostles, 539.3<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_15_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_15_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Ellen White, Christian Service, 229.6<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_16_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_16_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Francis Nichol, The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 6, 621.11<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_17_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_19_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_17_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Ellen White, Christian Service, 229.7<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_18_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_18_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Ellen White, Our Higher Calling, 55.3<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_20_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><li id=\"footnote_19_15926\" class=\"footnote\"> Ellen White, The Sanctified Life, 53.3<span class=\"footnote-back-link-wrapper\"> [<a href=\"#identifier_25_15926\" class=\"footnote-link footnote-back-link\">&#8617;<\/a>]<\/span><\/li><\/ol>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this article, know:<\/p>\n<p>Who this disciple was as a person and Jesus\u2019 follower<br \/>\nThe story behind calling down fire from heaven and why he did it<br \/>\nHow this incident changed him<br \/>\nThe lessons you can learn from this hot-tempered disciple<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":16032,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-archives-heroes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15926","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15926"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46511,"href":"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15926\/revisions\/46511"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16032"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.heroesbibletrivia.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}