Understanding Chosen Friendship in Simple Terms
What Does Friendship Mean in Jesus’ Message?
When Jesus talks about friendship in the gospel, he’s using it as a way to help us understand how close and special the relationship is between him and his followers. Friendship here isn’t just about liking someone or spending time together. It’s about being chosen and included in something important.
Being Chosen as a Friend
Jesus tells his followers, “You are my friends if you do what I command.” This means that friendship with Jesus isn’t something we choose for ourselves—it’s something he offers to us first. He doesn’t call his disciples “servants,” because servants aren’t usually included in their master’s plans or secrets. Friends, on the other hand, are brought into the loop. Jesus says, “I have called you friends, because I’ve told you everything I heard from my Father.” In other words, friends are trusted and included.
Intimacy and Knowing What’s Going On
Think of Abraham: he was considered a friend of God because he wanted to know what God was doing. Friends aren’t kept in the dark. They know what’s happening, and they’re part of it. In contrast, those who aren’t chosen or close don’t get that same insight or closeness.
Friendship Is More Than Just Closeness
This closeness, or intimacy, is what the church calls “knowing the mind of Christ.” It’s about having such a deep connection with Jesus that you understand what he wants and what he’s all about. One way this shows up is in prayer. Just like Moses talked to God face-to-face, prayer lets us speak directly with God and experience real closeness.
Obedience and Being in Sync
But being close to Jesus isn’t just about knowing things or talking to him. It’s also about being obedient—doing what he asks, and living in harmony with him and God the Father. True friendship with Jesus means you’re willing to follow him and live in a way that matches his teachings.
Fruit That Lasts and Love for One Another
Jesus also says he chose his disciples so they would “go and bear fruit that will last.” This means he wants his friends to do good things that make a lasting difference, and that when they ask God for help with these things, their prayers will be heard. At the heart of it all is love—Jesus wants his friends to love one another, just as he has loved them.
· Friendship with Jesus means being chosen and included in his plans.
· It’s about trust, intimacy, and understanding God’s will.
· Prayer is a key part of this friendship, like having a face-to-face chat with God.
· Real friendship also asks for obedience and living in sync with Jesus.
· The goal is to love one another and make a lasting, positive impact.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 