How does Jonathan's support reflect Jesus' command to love one another?

The Scene at Horesh (1 Samuel 23:16-18)

“Then Jonathan son of Saul went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. … So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained at Horesh, while Jonathan went home.” (1 Samuel 23:16, 18)

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Jonathan’s Actions: Living Out Covenant Love

• Risked his own safety to visit a hunted friend (cf. 1 Samuel 20:30-33)

• “Helped him find strength in God” — directed David to the LORD, not merely to human comfort

• Affirmed God’s promise: “You will be king … and I will be second to you” (v. 17)

• Freely surrendered his royal claim, mirroring earlier gifts of robe, armor, and sword (1 Samuel 18:4)

• Renewed their covenant “before the LORD,” rooting friendship in God’s unbreakable faithfulness

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Echoes of Jesus’ Command to Love

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another.” (John 13:34)

Parallels:

- Self-sacrifice: Jonathan lays down status and security; Christ lays down His life (John 15:13).

- Others-first humility: Jonathan rejoices in David’s future honor; Jesus washes the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17).

- Strengthening faith: Jonathan points David to the LORD; believers are to “encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13).

- Covenant faithfulness: Jonathan keeps his vow; Jesus inaugurates the new covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20).

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Further New Testament Links

• John 15:13 — “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down his life for his friends.”

• 1 John 3:16-18 — We know love by Christ’s example; therefore we act, not merely speak.

• Romans 12:10 — “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.”

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Practical Takeaways for Christ-Centered Friendship

• Seek out brothers and sisters who are under pressure; show up, even at personal cost.

• Direct friends to God’s promises rather than mere sympathy.

• Celebrate God’s calling on others without envy, trusting His sovereign plan for you.

• Anchor relationships in covenant commitment, not convenience.

• Let actions validate words: encouragement, presence, loyalty, and tangible help.

Jonathan’s loyalty at Horesh paints an early, vivid picture of the self-giving love Jesus commands—love that risks, relinquishes, and resolutely points others to the Lord.