…OR WOULD THAT BE DISRESPECTFUL OF HIS DEITY?
Are you confident enough in your relationship with Jesus Christ—the Son of God—to call Him “Friend”?
In John 15:15, Jesus says, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
This astonishing statement invites us to consider: Can we truly think of Jesus as our friend, without diminishing who He is—our Creator, our Savior, our God?
Perhaps the friendship between David and Jonathan offers a glimpse of such sacred connection.
Jonathan, the heir to King Saul, recognized that David was chosen by God to take the throne. Yet, rather than resisting, he embraced David in love, loyalty, and selflessness. Their bond transcended status and ambition—it was marked by honor and sacrificial trust.
In this light, we might begin to understand how Jesus, though King and Lord over all, invites us into a friendship that is neither casual nor irreverent—but sacred, intimate, and profound.
The King Calls Us Friend
Though not a perfect analogy, the friendship between David and Jonathan offers insight into our relationship with Jesus. We must revere Him for who He is—the Son of God, our Messiah. But we’re also invited to love Him as our most treasured Friend: the One who always has our back, who listens without weariness, and who offers counsel shaped by divine wisdom.
In our grief, He remains beside us, offering not just comfort, but a supernatural peace that only He can give.
Shifting into this “friend” mindset may feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable at first. But as with any deep relationship, time nurtures trust. The awkwardness fades, and the bond becomes unbreakable.
Lasting friendships are precious. They must be protected, never taken for granted. They are a two-way street—like rivers that flow into lakes, bringing oxygen and nutrients that sustain life. But if a lake only receives and never gives, it becomes stagnant, lifeless, and diseased.
Human friendships, too, must be mutual. When love, trust, and commitment flow only one way, relationships falter. They stagnate and eventually fade.
So, can we call Jesus “Friend” and still honor His royal majesty as King and Priest?
Absolutely. But to keep this sacred relationship vibrant and alive, we must learn to give as He gives—with every ounce of love within us.
The King calls us friend. What a privilege.