The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved

There are a handful of verses in the book of John that mention the phrase "the disciple whom Jesus loved".

Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
- John 13:23 (KJV)

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
- John 19:26 (KJV)

Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
- John 20:2 (KJV)

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
- John 21:7 (KJV)

Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
- John 21:20 (KJV)

But who is this disciple?

The above verses are from the book of John only, so I think John is merely referring to himself in this way (rather than by his own name).

Ellen White confirms that John was the disciple whom Jesus loved.

JohnEllen White

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
- John 19:26-27 (KJV)

In His dying hour, Christ remembered His mother. Looking into her grief-stricken face and then upon John, He said to her, "Woman, behold thy son!" then to John, "Behold thy mother!" John understood Christ's words, and accepted the trust.
- Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, p. 752


Most people agree that it was John who was closest to Jesus. He's the only one who refers to Jesus as The Word for example, and it was John who was given the Revelation.

Does this mean Jesus loved John more than others?

No I don't think so. There is no favoritism with God.

For there is no respect of persons with God.
- Romans 2:11 (KJV)

So in some ways you too are the disciple whom Jesus loved.