Scripture Reading

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Insight on the Word

The greatest love that can be demonstrated by a friend, and indeed proves friendship, is the laying down of one’s life. Jesus did this for us when he “died for us” on the cross for our sins. (Romans 5:8) Jesus taught that our obedience assures our friendship to Him. For Jesus said: “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”

As a friend we are not made servants but to the contrary He makes us friends, and as such we are full partners and His personal representatives on earth. “We are ambassadors for Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

As friends we are to represent Christ and reproduce His works just as Christ represented God and did His works. Jesus said: “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also.” (John 14:12)

As a friend we share equally with Christ in His inheritance if we share in His sufferings. “we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Romans 8:17)

As a friend we share with Christ, all things the Father has made known unto Him and we walk in obedience to His words: “as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” (John 20:21) We are obedient and our laying down our life for Him, gives us assurance that we are friends; for we do whatsoever He commands!

Speak the Word — I am God’s friend, I do what He commands! (John 15:14)

Daily Bible Reading — Judges 16 – 18