A Real Friendship (#287 of 365+)

“I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15)

Back in the time of the disciples, people who were in the religious inner
circle—priests and others who were educated in the law and the scriptures—thought their righteous acts brought them closer to God and lifted them above common folk. They felt compelled to maintain a line of separation between themselves and anyone who was unclean so they could remain pure in God’s eyes. They didn’t see themselves as sinners.

Jesus was the only sinless person who ever lived. As a child he had far more knowledge in the law and the scriptures than any adult scribe or Pharisee. Yet he immersed himself in humanity. He befriended fishermen and tax collectors. He touched and healed people with leprosy and various other diseases. He approached corpses and brought them back to life. He allowed children with dirty little faces and hands to crawl into his lap… He was the image of his heavenly Father in human flesh. He taught his disciples about the Father’s heart through parables like the following:

Invitation to a Wedding Banquet
A king was throwing a banquet for his son. When those he invited didn’t or wouldn’t come, he opened up the invitation to anyone who was walking by in the streets. He wanted to fill up his banquet hall with people who could share in the joy and receive his generous gifts (Matthew 22:1-10).

One Lost Lamb out of a Hundred Sheep
A shepherd noticed that a little lamb was missing. So he left the flock to look for the lost one-percenter. When he finally found him, he was so happy he brought him home and invited all his friends to a big party (Luke 15:3-7).

Jesus taught and demonstrated how God seeks people to have a relationship—a real friendship—with him. It doesn’t require any special knowledge or righteous/religious acts to receive an invitation to his party. I’m already on the VIP list! I don’t have to buy a hundred thousand Wonka bars to find the golden ticket. I already have the keys to the chocolate factory! I don’t have to “Fan” or “Friend” the Lord on Facebook… he’s already living here in my heart.

“You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life” (John 5:39-40)

Lord, I’m blown away that you are the King of kings and Lord of lords but you call me “friend” and allow me access 24/7. Thank you for reconciling me to the Father and making a real and lasting friendship, an eternal kinship, possible. May all my relationships be influenced by your love, joy, and generosity! Amen.