FRIENDSHIP.Sampel

Being a friend of God

Jesus is the one who laid down his life for his friends. After he spoke the words in John 15, the very next day he went to the cross and took upon himself the punishment for sin. When we look at the cross we see the friend who loves the most, sacrifices the most and looks outward the most. Jesus is the ultimate model of biblical friendship. And the most incredible thing is that Jesus invites us to be his friends. Jesus says in verse 14: “You are my friends if you do what I command”. He considers us his friends when we continue in his love and in obedience to him. As friends of Jesus we now know everything he knows. Through Jesus we know everything that his Father has taught him. Through Jesus we know God. Through Jesus we can be friends with God. This truth is absolutely mind blowing. We can say that we are friends with God! In the Old Testament there are only two people who God refers to as a friend in relation to himself. One of them is Moses (Exod 33:11) and the other is Abraham (Isa 41:8). In those instances, we see that God calls those who belong to him his friend. God has befriended us in Jesus. He is all we need. We may have different kinds of relationships, but Jesus alone satisfies.

Question How has God shown himself to be a faithful friend to you over the past few months or years?

Prayer Dear Father in Heaven, thank you that you sent Jesus into the world to reconcile people to yourself. Thank you that through Jesus’ death and resurrection we have the privilege of being friends with you. Please help us to use this privilege to bear fruit for your kingdom. Amen