Friend of Jesus
Jesus said: You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:14–15
When I was four years old I had a pink play telephone that I insisted on taking to bed with me every night. When my mom would quietly check on me, she always found me talking on the phone with someone. When she asked me who I was talking with, I told her it was Jesus. When she asked what we talked about I told her, “ Mommy we have lots to talk about!” How I wish I could remember what I told Him!
There’s something beautiful and childlike about believing Jesus loves to talk with us—knowing that He is near, that He listens, and that He is always interested in what we have to say. In John 15:14–15, Jesus takes that simple idea and elevates it into something astonishing, He calls us His friends.
Not servants. Not distant followers. Friends.
In the ancient world, a servant obeyed without understanding. A servant did what he was told but wasn’t invited into the master’s thoughts or plans. But Jesus says that’s not how He relates to us. He shares His heart with us. He lets us in on what the Father is doing. He invites us into relationship, not just religious responsibility.
This is an incredible blessing—one we can easily overlook. The God of the universe doesn’t just tolerate us or rule over us; He befriends us.
But Jesus also says, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” That might sound like a condition, but it’s really an invitation. Obedience is not what earns His friendship; it’s how we live inside it. When we trust Him enough to follow His words, we experience the closeness He already offers.
So how do we live into this friendship with Jesus?
First, we talk with Him—honestly and often. Just like a little child with a toy phone, we don’t need perfect words. Friendship grows through conversation. Prayer isn’t a religious duty; it’s connection.
Second, we listen. Jesus says He has made known what He heard from the Father. We hear His voice through Scripture, through the Spirit, and through quiet moments when we pause long enough to pay attention. Friends don’t just talk—they listen deeply.
Third, we walk with Him in trust. Every act of obedience, whether small or large, is a step closer to Him, not a step to earn approval but a response to love. We follow because we know Him, and we know He is good.
Finally, we remember that this friendship is a gift. We receive it. Even on the days when we feel distant or distracted, Jesus’ words still stand: “I have called you friends.”
Maybe the invitation today is simple: pick up the “phone” again. Speak to Him as you would your closest friend. Share your thoughts, your worries, your gratitude. And then be still long enough to remember—He is already there, already listening, already calling you His friend.
Lord Jesus, it is so much easier to see how You are our closest and best friend. It is remarkable that You call us Your friend. May the Holy Spirit help us to live more fully into this beautiful friendship You offer to us. Amen.