Jesus’ Friendship

Jesus’ Friendship

Bible: John 15:9-17

Reading

You are my friends if you do what I command (V.14).

As a little boy I enjoyed holding my dad’s hand and walking with him in crowded places. He was both my father and my friend. Holding hands in my part of the world is a mark of deep friendship. Walking along, we would chat about all sorts of things. Whenever I felt lonely, I could always turn to my dad.

Jesus called His followers friends, and He showed them the marks of His friendship. “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you,” He said (JOHN 15:9), even laying down His life for them (V.13). He showed them His plans for the world (V.15). He taught them about everything God had given Him (V.15). And He gave them the chance to share in His work (V.16)

As our closest friend, Jesus walks with us. He listens to everything we say to Him and understands perfectly all our needs. When we are lonely and fed up, Jesus is always there with us.

And our friendship with Jesus is tighter when we love each other and follow His teaching (VV.10,17). As we walk closely with Him, we will do things with Him and for His people that last forever (V.16).

Walking through the crowded streets and dangerous back alleys of our world, we can count on the friendship of Jesus—wherever we are.

GREATER LOVE HAS NO ONE THAN THIS; TO LAY DOWN ONE’S LIFE FOR ONE’S FRIENDS. JOHN 15:13

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries