His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the deep relationship between Christ and His disciples, summarized by the verse: “Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” This love extends to all who follow Christ in every generation. It was a relationship built on love, teaching, trust, and care until the end.

🔸 First: Christ’s Perfect Love for His Disciples

Christ loved His disciples with a special love—He chose them, called them by name, washed their feet, and defended them before the Pharisees. He told them: “I no longer call you servants but friends,” and even “brothers,” showing their spiritual kinship to Him.

🔸 Second: Christ’s Choice of His Disciples

He chose them from simple and humble backgrounds—fishermen, tax collectors—to reveal that His power works in the weak. He chose “the foolish things of the world to shame the wise,” so that the glory would belong to God alone.

🔸 Third: Apostolic Teaching and Tradition

Christ commanded them: “Teach them all that I have commanded you.” Thus, they were to hand down exactly what they received from Him. St. Paul confirmed this saying: “I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you.” The apostolic faith was preserved through living transmission, not personal opinions.

🔸 Fourth: Daily Fellowship with Christ

The disciples lived with Christ for over three years, witnessing His teaching, miracles, and perfect example. Even after His resurrection, He taught them about the kingdom of God. What was not written became the living tradition of the Church.

🔸 Fifth: Christ’s Tenderness and Defense

When His disciples were criticized, Christ defended them with wisdom. He explained the spirit of fasting and the Sabbath, teaching them compassion over ritual. His relationship was that of a father lovingly correcting and protecting His children.

🔸 Sixth: Honesty About Suffering and Promise of Help

Christ told them openly: “In the world you will have tribulation.” Yet He assured them: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Their courage under persecution came from this divine promise.

🔸 Seventh: Their Love for Him in Return

They left everything and followed Him without hesitation. They suffered, preached, and died for Him, fulfilling His words: “Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” Their love matched His—faithful even unto death.

🔸 Eighth: Fulfillment in Eternal Glory

Christ gave them the Holy Spirit and the power of forgiveness, promising them a place with Him in glory: “Where I am, there you may be also.” In His prayer, He said: “Father, I desire that those You have given Me be with Me where I am.” The ultimate goal is eternal union with Christ in divine love.

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