Lean Across

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Today's Text: John 13:23-25

Key Verse: John 13:23 (NIV): "One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him."

I remember acting in an Easter Sunday morning drama that portrayed John, the Beloved as a forward presumptuous disciple. But he leans across the Master not to seek comfort or because he was completely at ease or at peace, but to peep into his heart concerning who it is that would betray their Master. Yes, his leaning is not a presumption. It is a posture of reassurance and trust. The Apostle John's posture of "leaning across" to Jesus' heart wasn't just physical; it was a profound representation of his spiritual intimacy and trust in the Master.

Just as a child finds security resting on a parent's chest, John found his security and identity in his unique closeness to Christ. This analogy introduces the context of John's story. It points us to the themes of intimacy, trust, and rest that are central to his relationship with Jesus.

John's example of "leaning across" to Jesus' heart points us to a man of profound desire for intimate relationship with the Master: a heart characterized by deep devotion, selfless love, and a continuous pursuit of understanding God's will.

How pleasant would it be if we too can learn to lean across: to recline on Christ, and pursue intimacy with Him. To embody this, we should cultivate a heart of humility and selfless love, constantly seeking spiritual closeness to God, listening to the Holy Spirit's promptings, and living out God's commands through humble, active service. John became so used to pursuing the Heart of the Master so much that he became famously known as "the disciple whom Jesus loved," indicating a unique closeness and affection in his relationship with Christ.

Today's church would seek that title; but his wasn't a claim of superiority but a humble recognition of the undeserved grace he received for always leaning to learn from the Master. Oh, we must learn and seek the path of intimacy with Jesus. We must learn John's act of resting his head on Jesus' chest. We must imbibe the deep trust and affection he shared with the Lord. We must embrace his selfless kind of love built on humility that mirrored the love that moved Christ to lay down his life for others. John demonstrated that love when he alone showed up at the foot of the cross.

We can't have such attitude and not catch the vision of the glorified Christ. Such encounter only happens with profound connection with Christ. It comes from deep and unwavering devotion to the Master. Just as John's intimacy with Jesus prepared him to receive such divine revelation at Patmos, we too can experience God today if we cultivate a heart of devotion; shift our focus from self to Christ, seek deep intimate connection through prayer and contemplation. This is about being with Him in His daily communion/fellowship and centering our life on Him.

Action Steps: Be intentional about bridging the spiritual gap between you and God daily. Find a quiet moment to pray, read His Word, and simply rest in His presence. When faced with a decision, ask yourself, "What would a person leaning on Jesus' heart do?" Look for opportunities to serve Christ and others humbly, seeing their needs through the lens of Christ's love.

Quote for the Day: "Intimacy with Christ is not a destination. We must continue to position our heart for the Master, always leaning in to hear His whispers and feel His beat." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of John and the call to intimacy with You. Help me to "lean across" and find my rest in Your heart. Give me the humility and selfless love to serve others as You did, so that my life may point them to You — in Jesus' most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: John 21:20, John 19:26, and Revelation 1:9-19.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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