SEPTEMBER 26, 2024
READ: John 15 (Focus vs. 13-17)
MEMORY VERSE
“Love each other.” John 15:17
BACKGROUND
As favorite backyard neighbors, my mother and Mrs. Sanchez grew also into friendly rivals. The two competed every Monday to be the first to hang their freshly washed laundry on their outdoor clotheslines. “She beat me again!” my mother would say.
But the next week, Mama might be first—both enjoying their friendly weekly contest. Over ten years of sharing a backyard alley, the two also shared each other’s wisdom, stories, and hope.
The Bible speaks with great warmth about the virtue of such a friendship. “A friend loves at all times,” King Solomon observed (Proverbs 17:17). He also noted, “The pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice” (27:9).
Our great Friend is surely Jesus. Urging loving friendship from His disciples, He taught them, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). The very next day, He would do just that on the cross.
He also told them, “I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (v. 15). Then He said, “This is my command: Love each other” (v. 17).
With such words, Jesus “is elevating His listeners,” as philosopher Nicholas Wolterstorff said, from lowly humans to companions and confidants. In Christ, we learn to befriend others. What a Friend to teach us such love!
By: Patricia Raybon
INSIGHT
The apostle John referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23; see 20:2; 21:20). It wasn’t that Christ loved him alone or the most, but most likely that John keenly felt Jesus’ love.
Of all the New Testament books, John’s writing focuses the most on God’s love. He says, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (3:16).
The apostle also says, “the Father loves the Son” (v. 35; 5:20). Why? Because Christ laid down His life (10:17). In response, we’re to “love one another” (13:34) just as He loved us (15:12). By our love for each other, others will know we’re His disciples (13:35).
If we love Him, we’re also called to “keep [His] commands” (14:15). In 1 John, the apostle’s emphasis is again on God’s love: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (4:8).
By: Alyson Kieda
APPLICATION
How do you experience love in your friendship with Jesus? How can you be a friend like Him?
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“Jesus “(elevates) His listeners,” as philosopher Nicholas Wolterstorff said, from lowly humans to companions and confidants. In Christ, we learn to befriend others.”
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“A friend loves at all times…” Proverbs 17:17
“To have friends, show yourself friendly.” Proverbs 18:24
“A friend in need is a friend indeed” Quintus Ennius
PRAYER
“You call me friend, dear Jesus. Please help me be a loving friend to others.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“BE THAT FRIEND” Michael McLean
Well, your friends know what’s right,
And your friends know what’s wrong,
And your friends all know,
Sometimes it’s hard to choose.
But the friend who helps you
See where the choices will lead,
Is the kind of friend you never want to lose.
It’s the friend who leads with love,
Doesn’t push, doesn’t shove,
Just reminds you of the truth
You’ve always known.
Then does more than just talk,
Takes your hand and starts to walk by your side
Along the road that leads back home.
And this friend seems to see,
All the great things you’ll be
Even when some things you do
w\Would prove him wrong.
But he always believes that the real you he sees
Is a champion he’s simply cheering on.
And the love that you feel from a friend
That’s this real
Is as powerful as anything on earth.
For it lifts and it grows and it strengthens
And it flows
It’s what allows a soul to feel just what they’re worth.
So many lonely souls are calling,
And our brightest stars would not be falling
If only they had a friend, a real friend.
Ev’ryone hopes to find one true friend who’s the kind
They can count on for forever and a day.
Be that friend,
Be that kind that you’ve prayed you might find,
And you’ll always have a best friend come what may
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
Romans 9
