John Calvin Commentary John 13:23

"There was at the table reclining in Jesus` bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved." — John 13:23 (ASV)

Whom Jesus loved. The peculiar love with which Christ loved John plainly testifies that, if we love some people more than others, this is not always inconsistent with brotherly love. The crucial point is that our love should be directed towards God, and that each person, in proportion as they excel in the gifts of God, will share in it more fully.

Christ never deviated from this aim in the slightest. But with us, the situation is widely different, for such is the emptiness of our mind that there are few who, in loving people, draw nearer to God. And yet, love between people will never be properly regulated unless it is directed to God.

Lay at table in Jesus’ bosom. What John relates here might be regarded today as indecorous. But that was, at that time, the custom for being seated at table. For they did not sit, as we do, at table, but, after taking off their shoes, lay partially stretched out, reclining on small cushions.