It was an emergency situation.
At least it was for a 6-year-old Florida boy who felt like he needed to call 911 to report it.
When the responding officer arrived, the little boy told him his emergency: he was lonely, and needed a friend.
Officer White told him that he would be the boy’s friend, brought him a stuffed animal, and let him sit in the police car.
Being lonely and needing a friend is a common occurrence. Knowing what kind of friend one should be looking for can be challenging.
Jesus, in John 15:13-15, referred to His followers as His friends. What better friend can the world have than the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?
What kind of friend is Jesus?
- Jesus is a sacrificial friend (v. 13).
- Ephesians 5:2 reminds us that Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
- A true friend is willing to put other’s needs ahead of theirs. Jesus was the perfect example of this.
- Jesus is an instructive friend (v. 14).
- Jesus said in John 13:15, after He had washed the feet of the twelve, that He had given them an example that they should also do just as He had done for them.
- Colossians 2:6 instructs those who had received Christ to walk in His example.
- A true friend is willing to lead by example. Jesus was the epitome of this.
- Jesus is not a haughty friend (v. 15).
- We learn in Hebrews 4:15 that we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
- A true friend does not put himself above others.
- Jesus is an informative friend (v.15).
- Jesus, in John 13:13, affirmed that He is Teacher and Lord.
- As He began what is known as the Sermon on the Mount, we read in Matthew 5:2 that He opened up His mouth and taught them.
- A true friend is one who is willing to share God’s will for them.
What a friend we have in Jesus!
-Kevin Hahn (reprinted)
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