John, son of Zebedee

Called with James from their boat. The Gospels name him among the Twelve. The identification of John with the unnamed beloved disciple belongs to tradition.

Let the text introduce them.

Begin with Mark 1; Luke 6; John 21. Notice what the passage tells you, what it leaves unsaid, and what you may have brought to it from other retellings.

Make room for an encounter.

What question would you bring to this person’s story? Read slowly enough to notice a detail you have passed over before.