Jesus as FRIEND

ME

Who is Jesus to you? (WAIT FOR NODS) Do you consider Jesus a friend? (WAIT FOR NODS). Saying Jesus is a friend sounds a bit too personal. I grew up knowing Jesus as Lord, almighty one. Others would say that Jesus is Savior or healer. These definitions define his mission and purpose. And, Jesus is Healer. Would friend be an appropriate word then when defining Jesus?

I love the song “what a friend we have in Jesus” I love the opening lyrics “What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear, What a privilege to carry, Everything to God in prayer”. These lyrics have always brought me comfort and encouragement. I think it’s because We like the idea of having a friend we can bring everything too.

I fear calling Jesus our friend can be dishonest though. If we treated any of our other friends like most of us treat Jesus, we wouldn’t have any friends in a few months. If you only spoke to someone once a year for 10 minutes, would you consider them a friend? I mean like call them a true friend not like a Facebook friend where we add them just because we recognize their name from

WHAT IS A FRIEND?

So what is a true friend then? The dictionary defines a friend as A person whom one knows well and is fond of And A person on the same side in a struggle; one who is not an enemy or foe; ally. Friendship is about creating a relationship and intimacy with another person.

WE