John 13:23

There was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples.

The party were reclining at the table in the Greek and Roman fashion.. wide couch was placed along the table and each guest reclined on his left elbow with his feet extended outward. The disciple next in front of the Savior would, therefore, be very near his bosom. He only needed to bend back. little to throw himself on his bosom.

Whom Jesus loved.

This phrase occurs seven times in John's Gospel, twice in speaking of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and five times as the designation of the one of the disciples who wrote this Gospel. Though John never declares that he is the one meant, it has always been so understood by the church. One reason for this view is found in the fact that he names all the other apostles freely, but never names himself otherwise. Some have insisted that it was egotism to thus designate himself. Rather,. suppose that it was such. joy to John to know and feel that one so glorious as Christ had loved "even him," that he could hardly suppress his joy. After long years of work and trial had passed and he was. gray-haired man, it filled his soul with transports to think that Jesus loved him and that he had reclined on his bosom.