John 15:15

To be Jesus’ slave would be the greatest possible privilege. But Jesus wanted his disciples to know that he was looking for a much more intimate relationship than that. At the end of the day, a slave, however trusted and respected, had no rights at all and would certainly not be taken into the confidence of their master. But friends are different. The barriers are down. There is an intimacy that a slave would never experience.

In the Old Testament, we hear God referring to Abraham as his friend (Isaiah 41:8). And in Paul’s letter to the Romans, the apostle reflected on the fact that it was through the death of Jesus on the cross that we are now God’s friend, rather than his enemy.

Friendship is the most incredible privilege. It cannot be forced. A friendship only occurs because two people want it to happen, and are willing to be flexible enough to make the relationship work. The essence of friendship is that it is open ended. It isn’t based on a contract, but simply on love. As a result, it just keeps going whatever the circumstances. All of those things are true of any friendship but, when we reflect that it is Jesus, the Son of God, who is telling us he wants to be friends with us, it is even more incredible.

Jesus has shown his complete love for us by dying on the cross. He wants to enter into an intimate daily relationship within which we share the details of our lives. Nothing can stand outside the friendship. Everything is to be transformed by it. His love for us is so complete that he wants every part of our lives to be full of his joy, peace and love.

QUESTION

In what ways do you think of Jesus as your friend?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank you that you want to be my friend. Help me to allow your loving friendship to transform every part of my life. Amen