What can we learn about friendship from Jonathan's actions in 1 Samuel 20:28? Where We Are in the Story 1 Samuel 20 records intense tension at Saul’s royal table. David is hiding from Saul’s murderous rage. Jonathan, Saul’s own son and David’s covenant friend, stays in the palace to gauge Saul’s attitude. When Saul notices David’s seat empty, Jonathan gives the agreed-upon explanation: “Jonathan answered, ‘David urgently requested my permission to go to Bethlehem.’” (1 Samuel 20:28) Jonathan Shows What True Friends Do • Loyalty in Word – Jonathan repeats David’s message exactly as planned, refusing to betray or embellish it. – Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times.” Love holds the line when pressure mounts. • Advocacy in Dangerous Places – Jonathan speaks up for David right in front of an enraged king. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 affirms that two are better than one because “if either one falls, the other can help him up.” Jonathan is that helping hand in the throne room. • Personal Risk for Another’s Safety – By covering for David, Jonathan exposes himself to Saul’s fury (vv. 30-33). – John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: that he lay down his life for his friends.” Jonathan embodies this greater love, anticipating the self-sacrifice Christ would later call His followers to display. • Commitment to Truthful Communication – The cover story had been prearranged with David (vv. 5-7). Jonathan honors that plan without wavering, showing how trustworthy friends respect agreed boundaries. – Colossians 3:9 commands, “Do not lie to one another.” Jonathan’s integrity safeguards both truth and David’s life. Takeaways for Our Friendships Today • Stand by your friend even when it costs you something. • Use your voice to defend those who cannot defend themselves. • Keep confidential plans truly confidential. • Let honesty and integrity govern every conversation. • Be willing to bear personal loss so another can flourish. Jonathan’s single sentence at Saul’s table may look small, but it shines as a timeless lesson in covenant loyalty—friendship that reflects God’s own faithful love toward His people. |
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