John the beloved was the one who stayed when everyone else ran, and witnessed the crucifixion. He leaned on Jesus’ chest at the last supper. He was chosen with Peter and James to be there in Jesus most glorified and most vulnerable moments. He was the last one to die and Jesus came and met him before his death. There is no favoritism with God, but there is uniqueness in each relationship. Jesus loved John, but John is not called The Beloved because he was loved more than others, but because he h