Pure JesusSample

Jesus - Your Friend and Family

Friend and Sinner, Sinner and Friend

Acknowledging Jesus as a friend of sinners and then following Jesus in BEING a friend of sinners are two different things, aren’t they? One allows me to be the sinner, receiving an undeserved friendship, while the other invites me to be the friend, offering myself to an undeserving sinner. Truth be told, one of those is exponentially easier. The call, however, on the life of a Christ-follower is to be both: friend and sinner, sinner and friend.

In the gospel of John, a prayer of Jesus is recorded, and it’s quite remarkable. It’s a prayer for us - followers of Jesus, the learners and disciples. Jesus prays with intention for unity, protection and joy as we bring glory to the Father and share Christ’s message of love. Friend and sinner, sinner and friend. 

How amazing is it that Jesus took the time to stop and pray with such regard for us? How special is it that Jesus would bring a prayer before His Father on our behalf? How important must He have thought this intercession was with regard to His followers and the work He left for us to do? Extremely important. Incredibly special. Indescribably amazing. He knew what He was leaving us, His church.. His body, to be and do in the world: to be friends and sinners, even as sinners and friends.

Take some time to meditate on the words Jesus prayed for you in John 17. Receive the words of Jesus deeply into your heart and pursue your high calling!