Let look at the word “friend”. In verse John 15:13, a friend in Greek is a philon. It refers to associates for whom there are affection and personal regard . . . and conveys a greater sense of intimacy than does our modern use of friend. Obedience to Jesus doesn’t allow us to be His servants or disciples. Obedience also opens the door to a true friendship with Jesus, His highly regarded associates, The recipients of His affection.
We will read the following verses about some friendships in the Old Testament that had a friendship with God.
Abraham: Genesis 15:1-6; 17: 15-22; 18: 1-33; 2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:3
Moses: Exodus 3:12-15; 5:22-23; 32:9-14; 33:11; 33:19-23; Numbers 12:1-6; 13:1-6; Deuteronomy 34:4-7
David: First Samuel 16:1-13; Second Samuel 7:1-29, 23:1-5; First Kings 3: 6-8; Psalm 23:1-6; 13:1-6; Luke 1:31-33; Acts 15:14-18
We see an amazing degree of mutuality and reciprocity between God and these three men He calls friends from these passages. How did this kind of friendship develop? These men were not afraid to ask the hard questions. They expressed their feelings and disappointments.
True friendship requires respectful honesty, just not putting on a smile and telling them what they want to hear, and being nice all the time. God. has big shoulders to handle all our emotions, confusion, disappointments, and hard questions. All God wants is for us to be obedient and honest with him. He wants us to worship him in spirit and truth.
Do you have any relationship with anyone like this? Where is it true and honest? You can have this relationship with God.
Psalm 62:8 says, “O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” What hard questions, disappointments, or hurts do you have that need to be poured out to Jesus?
Let’s now take a look at the New Testament. Jesus had a friendship with three siblings – Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. In John 11:5, it says that Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Read Luke 10: 38-42 and John 11:1-5. What aspects of friendship do you find between Jesus and this family? What are your main takeaways about friendship with Jesus in these stories?
When we walk in obedience with Jesus, a bouquet is blooming with friendship. We learn WHO He is, and we learn WHO we are in Him. I hope at the end of my life; my tombstone will say Friend of Jesus.
