Love as a key theological principle of following Christ in the 21st chapter of the Gospel of John

Abstract

The article is devoted to the disclosure of the teaching of the Apostle John the Theologian about following Christ on the basis of the final chapter of the Gospel of John. The author comes to the conclusion that love is the main theme of the 21st chapter of the Gospel. The Savior’s love for the disciples is the main motive of the evangelist John’s story about the Lord’s meal with the disciples after a wonderful fishing trip. The central theme of the conversation between the Apostle Peter and the Lord Jesus Christ is also love. It is also a necessary basis for further relations between them, as well as all followers of the Savior. The article reveals the issue of the necessity of suffering and death for the disciple of Christ, the correlation of love and sorrows, the meaning of suffering. On the basis of patristic theology, conclusions are drawn that love for Christ makes it possible to overcome the natural fear of death and all the sorrows on the path of life. Suffering and death for their Teacher and Lord become His honor, glory and desired reward for the disciple. Martyrdom is not a prerequisite for the life of a follower of Christ, but those who fight for the truth to death follow Him more.