Friends

"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15 

I believe Jesus here is saying this to all of us, because all of us have heard and hopefully accepted His teachings that came from God, His Father.

But what does He mean by "friends".

My dictionary describes "friend" as: a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically one exclusive of sexual or family relations.

This description is important - a bond of mutual affection; mutual trust, mutual understanding and caring. A friend is someone who would do anything for you if he possibly can.

Often one hears married people describing their spouse as a friend. This is more than just a sexual partner, a parent to one's children, or a companion in life. To describe your spouse as a friend means that that person really cares for you, and your well-being. That that person will confide in you and you in them. That you trust each other above all else.

This is what Jesus is offering here. 

Perhaps we don't understand the full meaning of what He is saying. Jesus is offering His friendship; meaning that we can fully trust Him to take care of us whatever the circumstances. We can confide in Him and be certain of the outcome of His love for us and His caring.

Can we honestly say that we accept this friendship in its full meaning and implications? Or is our friendship reciprocated with conditions and provisos? Do we truly trust Him without a shadow of a doubt that He will see us through whatever life throws at us? Or do we trust Him with a safety net ... just in case? Do we trust Him, but yet wonder or harbour a doubt that He will respond to our needs?

There are no two ways about it. Jesus is offering His friendship because we have heard and accepted the Word of God, His Father.

The ball is in our court now. We need to decide. Because sooner or later He will ask: Why have you doubted Me?