You are my friends
“13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.”
In the Gospel of John, Jesus uses various symbolic expressions to introduce Himself. One of the most frequently used phrases is "I am," which echoes God's revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:14, when He said, "I AM WHO I AM." Through this expression, Jesus reveals who He is and emphasizes His deep relationship with God.
In John 15, Jesus says, "I am the true vine, and you are the branches." This metaphor highlights the union between Jesus and His disciples, as well as believers. Just as branches must remain connected to the vine to bear fruit, we can only bear fruit when we abide in Jesus. This union is not merely a relationship of subordination, but one based on love and trust, where Jesus calls us His friends.
Jesus declares, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends." This means we are no longer simply servants of God but are invited into a personal relationship as His friends. Through this friendship, we come to know God's love and learn how to live in truth, loving one another. Jesus is the true friend who laid down His life for us, bearing our weaknesses and sins.
In this union with Jesus, we experience God's love and are empowered to love others sacrificially. Those who become like the Good Shepherd, Jesus, will also become good shepherds themselves. Those who experience Jesus as a true friend will, in turn, become true friends to others in the community of faith.
Prayer: I praise You, Jesus, my true friend, who knows everything about me and still comes to love me. You did not ignore our sin but gave us the light of life by dying on the cross, restoring us to the grace and identity of being God's children. As we walk this narrow path with You, give us joy and strength. I pour out my weakness before You, Lord. Make us one with You, and help us, by Your character, to become good friends who encourage one another as we walk this path of faith together. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)
Devotional content is available on the Our Daily Bread website.