Chapter 55—Transformed by Grace
In the life of the disciple John true sanctification is exemplified.
During the years of his close association with Christ, he was often
warned and cautioned by the Saviour; and these reproofs he accepted.
As the character of the Divine One was manifested to him, John saw
his own deficiencies, and was humbled by the revelation. Day by day,
in contrast with his own violent spirit, he beheld the tenderness and
forbearance of Jesus, and heard His lessons of humility and patience.
Day by day his heart was drawn out to Christ, until he lost sight of
self in love for his Master. The power and tenderness, the majesty
and meekness, the strength and patience, that he saw in the daily life
of the Son of God, filled his soul with admiration. He yielded his
resentful, ambitious temper to the molding power of Christ, and divine
love wrought in him a transformation of character.
In striking contrast to the sanctification worked out in the life of
John is the experience of his fellow disciple, Judas. Like his associate,
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Judas professed to be a disciple of Christ, but he possessed only a form
of godliness. He was not insensible to the beauty of the character of
Christ; and often, as he listened to the Saviour’s words, conviction
came to him, but he would not humble his heart or confess his sins.
By resisting the divine influence he dishonored the Master whom he
professed to love. John warred earnestly against his faults; but Judas
violated his conscience and yielded to temptation, fastening upon
himself more securely his habits of evil. The practice of the truths that
Christ taught was at variance with his desires and purposes, and he
could not bring himself to yield his ideas in order to receive wisdom
from heaven. Instead of walking in the light, he chose to walk in
darkness. Evil desires, covetousness, revengeful passions, dark and
sullen thoughts, were cherished until Satan gained full control of him.
John and Judas are representatives of those who profess to be
Christ’s followers. Both these disciples had the same opportunities to
study and follow the divine Pattern. Both were closely associated with
Jesus and were privileged to listen to His teaching. Each possessed
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