A Friend of Jesus (John 15:13-15)

What is your definition of a friend? Is it someone who sticks with you through life’s ups and downs? Perhaps it is someone who makes you laugh and makes you feel good to be around. Our friends are precious to us and the qualities that endear them to us are unique to each.

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
John 15:13-15

What is Jesus’ definition of a friend? He plainly explained it to His disciples.

1. Lays his life down for another

2. Obeys Jesus’ commands

3. Listens to the Word of God

This is a simple and profound definition. At the heart of the definition is love. There is no greater example of love than for one to lay their life down for another. Jesus did just that. Even if we have never heard of Him, Jesus went to the Cross and died a humiliating and painful death, taking the sins of the world upon Him. He did this so that we would not have to face God’s justifiable punishment for our sins. And now, if we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we have peace with God and eternal salvation.

What is Jesus’ definition of a friend? He proved it for us. All He asks in return is for us to trust Him with our lives.

Won’t you take that first step?

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.