Intimacy

“And there was one of his disciples reclining (at meat) in the bosom of Jesus, whom Jesus was loving.”

(John 13: 23 – RYLT 1862)

The writings of John reveal very clearly the heart of Jesus. His is in fact the clearest revelation on the nature of Jesus to be found anywhere in the Bible. John was also, as this incident reveals, the closest person to Jesus during his public ministry. But the writings of John lead us to an even deeper truth, for he states early in his letter – “No one has ever seen God. But his only Son, who is himself God, is near to the Father's Heart (in the bosom of the Father A/V).” - John 1:18 - NIV. Consequently as John rests on Jesus bosom – the place closest to his heart, he is in fact listening to the heartbeat of the Father – for Jesus rests in the Father's heart. And, as Jesus actively loves John, by virtue of his being (for he is God), Father is loving Him also.

To be in the bosom, or near the heart of another indicates a place of intimacy, love, kindness, secrecy and care. It is the place Father longs to hold all his children. Later John will reveal the Father as having the heart of a shepherd. But hundreds of years earlier the prophet Isaiah spoke of the Father in similar terms - as a shepherd who holds his lambs near to his heart. In fact Isaiah declares that Father – “carries them in his bosom” (Isaiah 40:11 - A/V), or “close to his heart” (NIV).

Many people long for such intimacy - such security. Yet it is not a place we can struggle to attain – rather it is a position we come to by way of resting. All that is required is that we be still, open our eyes and look in to the eyes of the shepherd as he carries us close to His bosom – to behold His gaze of passion – and open our ears to hear the sound of his heart – a heart that with every beat flows with divine love. This is the heart of the Father.