“Is Jesus my Friend?”
July 1, 2007
Me: When you think of Jesus, what word comes to mind? Write it down on your outline.
You: We have all kinds of images of Jesus, but almost never think of him as a friend. Here is a video about how we sometimes see Jesus. (Show Vintage 21 video)
What do you think of when you think of Jesus being your friend? How would you feel if you knew that Jesus considers you his friend? If Jesus is your friend, does it change how you relate to him?
God: The Bible has some great images of Jesus to help us understand Jesus as our friend. Today we want to look at one encounter with Jesus and his disciples to see if there are some life lessons for us.
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:13-17 (NIV)
True friendship involves sacrifice.
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Jesus demonstrated his friendship by dying for us.
“That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage." Mark 10:45 (The Message)
Friendship with God is based on obedience to the words of God.
“You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:14
True friendship involves commitment.
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you..” John 15:14-16a (NIV)
True friendship involves trust.
“and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last.”
John 15:16 (NIV)
Jesus has entrusted us to carry his message.
"God authorized and commanded me to commission you: 19 Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 20 Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20 (The Message)
True friendship involves provision.
“Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” John 15:17 (NIV)
True friendship involves love.
“This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:17
In what areas of your life do you need to demonstrate your friendship with Christ?
