Compare Jonathan's actions to Jesus' teachings on friendship in John 15:13-15. Scripture Focus—John 15:13-15 “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.” Jonathan’s Covenant Love with David (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 20:13-17, 30-34; 23:15-18) • Jonathan “knit” his soul to David and loved him “as himself.” • He gave David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt—symbolic surrender of royal rights. • He warned David of Saul’s plots, risking his own standing and safety. • He pledged, “May the LORD be with you as He has been with my father” (20:13), accepting God’s choice of David as king. • He willingly faced Saul’s fury, even a spear hurled at him (20:30-33), for David’s sake. • He renewed covenant loyalty in the wilderness, encouraging David “in God” (23:16-17). Parallels to Jesus’ Teaching on Friendship • Sacrificial love – Jonathan surrendered throne, status, and security; Jesus defines friendship by “laying down one’s life.” • Obedience linked to friendship – Jonathan’s loyalty flowed from shared faith in the LORD (20:14-17); Jesus says, “You are My friends if you do what I command you.” • Revelation and transparency – Jonathan disclosed Saul’s secret plans; Jesus makes known “everything I have learned from My Father.” • Initiative and choosing – Jonathan sought David first (18:1-3); Jesus says, “I have called you friends,” choosing disciples (cf. 15:16). • Covenant bond – Jonathan cut a covenant with David; Jesus offers the New Covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20). Further Scriptural Echoes • 1 John 3:16 —“By this we know love: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” • Proverbs 17:17 —“A friend loves at all times.” • Proverbs 18:24 —“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Key Takeaways for Today • True friendship embraces self-denial for another’s good. • Loyalty to God undergirds loyalty to friends. • Friendship thrives on honest disclosure, not hidden agendas. • Choosing someone’s welfare over personal advancement mirrors Christ. • Covenant faithfulness in human relationships reflects the unbreakable covenant Christ offers His followers. |
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