Our Friend Jesus

John 15:12-17

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

If you haven’t started The Chosen, start it today. As I’ve been watching it, each image bleeds this verse.

Jesus genuinely loves each one of His disciples and friends. There is a scene where the twelve and Jesus jump into the ocean, playing, splashing, and laughing together. In this scene, Jesus is delighting in the fellowship with His friends. I watched this and cried. I cried not out of sorrow but joy because Jesus and I have the same relationship. We have a deep communion as friends. This is offered to all Christians.

Do you believe Jesus delights in you like that?

Jesus is not only our King but our friend. Our friend sticks to our side when we are the worst and then intercedes on our behalf to our Father (Hebrews 7:25). He is the friend who sees what we can become (holy because of His Spirit) and walks with us until we get there.

Jesus is the friend who died for us. He is the friend who gave His friendship to us. We couldn't have chosen it on our own, but through the fierce love of Jesus, He chose us.

Not only does He choose us, but He commands us to love one another in the same way.

Reflect on these questions:

Would you give your life to your friends? Do you love them in a self-sacrificial way?

Do people know you as a disciple of Jesus by the way you love others?