Friendships are an essential part of our lives but many of us struggle to build healthy ones. Rediscover how friendships can be nurtured by exploring Jesus’ friendship with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

Receive

Jesus demonstrated the importance of friendship throughout the Gospels. His relationship with the Bethany siblings—Mary, Martha, and Lazarus—provides a great example of how much we need friends in our own lives, and how much we need to be a friend. Engaging in healthy communication, being dependable, growing with each other, and sharing celebrations can help our friendships flourish!

Reflect

Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 

• John 15:9-16 
• Luke 10:38-42 
• John 11:1-6, 21, 25, 32 
• John 12:1-3 

How does John 15:9-16 help you better understand Jesus’ plan for friendship? 

Martha and Mary demonstrate their friendship with Jesus in Luke 10:38-42. How can this nurture your friendships? 

Martha and Mary depended on Jesus to save their brother in John 11:1-6, 21, 25, 32. How can this inspire you to be a dependable friend? 

John 12:1-3 describes a celebration shared with friends (Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and Jesus). How might you share a celebration with friends in the near future?

Respond

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)

“Jesus, thank You that You made us to live in friendship—with You and with other people You place in our lives. Help me to live into Your plan for friendship in my life. Help me to be a dependable friend and to take opportunities to share celebrations with my friends.”

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Friendship Lab

Listen: 

• Friendship | Week 1 
• Friendship | Week 2

Read: 

• Deep Friendship in Christ 
• 7 Bible Stories to Deepen Your Friendships

Watch: 

• The Heart of True Friendship
• The Deepest Friendship Exists