The Lord Who Calls You Friend

My dear son,

I do not want to stand far away and simply give you a list of tasks. Jesus shared with the disciples what he had heard from his Father and called them friends. His love opened his heart and gave his very life.

I want you to understand the heart with which I love you. As you keep my word, come to know my purpose more deeply. Tell me honestly about the thoughts and stories you carry within your own heart as well.

Tonight, you need not quickly state your needs and hurry away. Let us share welcome news or a thought you have held for a long time. Your Father delights in the time you spend close to him in love.

With all my love,
Your Father

John 15:13–15

WEB

13Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
14You are my friends if you do whatever I command you.
15No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn’t know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you.

A short reflection

Jesus describes laying down one's life for friends as the greatest love, and calls the disciples friends because he has shared what he heard from the Father.

World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter