The idea
As Rachel died bearing Benjamin, Mary spiritually bears a second son — the beloved disciple — through her 'dying' at the cross, her soul pierced by a sword. Benjamin was 'the beloved of the Lord'; John is 'the beloved disciple.' That is likely why John never names himself: he is the new Benjamin, beloved younger son of the new Rachel.
Key verses
- Luke 2:34 — 'a sword will pierce through your own soul' — Mary's spiritual death.
- Genesis 35:18, Deuteronomy 33:12 — Rachel's soul departs bearing Benjamin, 'the beloved of the Lord.'
- Genesis 43:33 — Joseph honours Benjamin, the youngest, at his banquet, as Jesus honours the beloved disciple at the Supper (John 13:23).
The connection
| Old Testament root | New Testament fulfilment | |
|---|---|---|
| Rachel → Benjamin, son of her sorrow | → | Mary → John, son of her sorrow |
As Rachel died to bear Benjamin ('son of sorrow'), Mary 'dies' inwardly at the cross — her soul pierced by a sword — to bear a second son, the disciple. Because Benjamin was 'the beloved,' Pitre explains why John calls himself 'the beloved disciple': he is the new Benjamin.
Old Testament root → New Testament fulfilment
- Genesis 43:33 → John 13:23
Joseph honours Benjamin, the youngest, at his banquet, as Jesus honours the beloved disciple at the Supper (John 13:23).