John 18:15-16
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in.
This is not the first time we hear about “another disciple.” But it is the first time we hear about him in the Passion. John introduces us to this unnamed – and, apart from John’s Gospel, unknown – disciple when Jesus shares a last meal with his followers. John describes him in that scene also as “one of the disciples,” but adds that he is “the one Jesus loved.” He sits beside Jesus at the last supper in a place of honor (Jn. 13:23).
Who is this other disciple? Truth be told, we don’t know. But we might guess that it is the disciple who founded this community of believers for whom and to whom John writes. I have wondered if it was his preaching of Jesus’ words and stories, in fact, that formed the heart of John’s own testimony. We don’t know for sure, as he goes unnamed, but it’s safe to assume that John and his community not only knew him well but also loved him deeply.
Which is probably why he occupies such an interesting place in the company of disciples, and especially in relation to Peter. In this Gospel as in the others, Peter plays a pivotal role. But so does this other disciple, the one Jesus loved. And so here in this scene Peter has access to the courtyard where he will fulfill Jesus’ dark prediction about him only because he is in the company of this other, unnamed but clearly important disciple.
It is John’s way, I think, of inviting his readers – and, indeed, all those who have read his Gospel ever since – to remember and give thanks for this other disciple, one perhaps not as famous as Peter but nevertheless important to this community and instrumental to the story at hand.
Prayer: Dear Lord, across the centuries your kingdom has been advanced chiefly those whose names are no longer remembered. Let us give thanks for them, even if we do not know their name, for we believe in part because of their faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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