Day 13 – Friend

“I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.” John 15:15 NLT

Friendships are not always the easiest relationships. From the time Jesus met Simon Peter, it was not just to invite him to be a follower, but a start to a friendship example we can follow. Through the gospels, it seems Peter rarely left Jesus’s side. Jesus stayed in his home in Capernaum, they had their ups and downs, and Peter even denied knowing Jesus. We also find the sternest rebukes and highest praise towards Peter. But through it all, Jesus shaped Peter through friendship. Not only was Jesus Messiah and Rabi to His disciples, but their friend.

It is truly altogether wonderful to know that we, followers of Jesus, are counted His friends. The ultimate act of friendship was when Jesus took your place on the cross. I know sometimes it feels like we just disappoint Jesus time and time again, but His grace, love, and forgiveness come from a divine friendship that will never cease – Jesus will never stop being your friend.

Prayer: Father, in a world where people sometimes build friendship relationships based on what they can get from the other, I am grateful for my eternal friend Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, for showing us an example of friendship and for the true, God-fearing friends You have chosen for me. Thank You that You are my eternal Friend. Amen.

Love, Pastor Iriza