What a Wonderful Friend We Have in Jesus

Daily Devotional – Saturday, January 22, 2022

I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

John 15:15 (NKJV)

Where could we be without friends, especially the genuine ones? Who would share our joys and sorrows? Who could know our deepest secrets and weaknesses and continue loving us, anyway? 

Yet there are secrets we keep to ourselves and do not divulge even to our closest friends and family members. We feel that exposing such issues to even bosom friends may expose us to criticism and ridicule. 

Washing Dirty Linen in Public

Sometimes, our best friends cannot keep their mouths shut. Either out of excitement or malice (especially when the friendship is over), they can wash our dirty linen in public.

Who, then, is that true fried that we can trust 100%. His Name is Jesus. You can lay your heart bare before Him without fear of being embarrassed or exposed.  This is what He told His disciples:

“You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:14-15).

Jesus, the Friend of the Disciples

Jesus lived and interacted with the disciples like a brother or friend. They could address Him directly, ask questions, laugh, cry, and express other human emotions in His presence. He also revealed the secrets of the heavenly kingdom to them. 

He was patient with them when they erred. He corrected them firmly but with love. He did not treat them like servants. He became their friend so that they might know His character and desire to become like Him. 

Jesus, the Friend Who Sticks Closer than a Brother

To us as to the disciples, Jesus can be the “friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24). Jesus is willing to listen to your deepest secrets without judging you. More importantly, He gives you the help you need, unlike many human friends. 

Today when you pray, do not address Jesus like a distant Being that cannot identify with your weaknesses and failings. Avoid viewing Him as an angry father keen on punishing you for your many mistakes. 

Jesus, Your Friend

Jesus is your friend. Let your prayers be a conversation between two friends. Open your heart to Him and tell Him what troubles you. Mention that sin you have tried to overcome without success. He is your Best Friend. He will listen to and help you.

Finally, contemplate the words of this famous song by John M Scriven:

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
   All our sins and griefs to bear!
   What a privilege to carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
   Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
   Oh, what needless pain we bear,
   All because we do not carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
2. Have we trials and temptations?
   Is there trouble anywhere?
   We should never be discouraged—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Can we find a friend so faithful,
   Who will all our sorrows share?
   Jesus knows our every weakness;
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
   Cumbered with a load of care?
   Precious Savior, still our refuge—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
   Take it to the Lord in prayer!
   In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
   Thou wilt find a solace there.

Thank You Jesus because you are my Best Friend.