“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 15:15
Scripture reading: John 15:11-27
Three more things about Jesus as our close friend:
- He shares secrets with us and we with Him (John 15:15) – Servants are only called to obey, but with friends, we share our hearts and our secrets. Christ does so with believers. He tells us the secrets of the loving heart of His Father toward His friends. Through His Spirit, He reveals to us His grace and glory in salvation.
- He corrects us when we are foolish and sinful (Proverbs 27:6) – The wounds of friends are faithful, so when Christ disciplines us because of our sin or foolishness, it will hurt, but we must trust, it is for our good!
- We love to please Him (John 15:14) – We love to please our friends, so if Jesus is our friend we do likewise. Jesus said: You are my friends, if you do what I command you. We can know that we have become Jesus’ friend when we have a desire for godly obedience in our lives.
Have you lost friends? Are you lonely? Are you longing for a friend? Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother! If He is your friend, entrust your whole life to Him.
What a friend we have in Jesus All our sins and griefs to bear And what a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness Take it to the Lord in prayer
Suggestions for prayer
Thank God for the privilege of sharing all that is on your heart with Jesus in prayer. Pray God for more friendship-motivated and joy-filled obedience.
Rev. Pieter van der Hoek served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville ON Canada since May 2017. This year he took a call to the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa USA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
