The Closest Friend
“….I do not call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master does. But I have called you for all things that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you.” John15:15
I can hardly imagine how the disciples must have felt.
Christ was calling them “friends” and sharing heavenly secrets with them. It must have been awesome to hear the word “friends” coming from the lips of Christ. Everybody probably has at least one friend – we like to know that there is someone who cares about us, is loyal to us, and to whom we can also be loyal and helpful. We learn from Proverbs 18:24 that “There is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother.”
Friendship with Jesus goes far beyond ordinary earthly friendships because He is God, Creator, Redeemer, Love, Holiness, Righteousness etc. etc. And yet He offers us His friendship!! This is such a miraculous blessing. God does not need our friendship for Himself. It is what He can do for us by befriending us. We are the beneficiaries.
We are told that “A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17). Jesus Himself spoke about the interconnection of Love and Friendship. His love for His disciples was as deep as the Father’s love for Him. Jesus also pointed out another connection: “You are my friends if you do whatsoever I tell you” (John15:14).
Obedience to His Words is a necessary element in the relationship of Love and Friendship. The three must work together. All of us should respond to the offer of friendship from God – He is the Way, the Truth and the Light, so whatever He tells us from His heart of love and friendship is best for us – it is PERFECT! Such friendship can only be found in Him. Is He your closest friend?
- Al Jones