What responsibilities come with being called a "friend" of Jesus in John 15:15? The Privilege of Friendship with Jesus “ I no longer call you servants, because 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.” — John 15:15 What Friendship Demands Being lifted from “servant” to “friend” is a breathtaking honor, yet Scripture never divorces privilege from responsibility (Luke 12:48). Jesus names at least six responsibilities in the surrounding passage: • Receive and Guard His Revelation – “Everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.” – Friendship means Jesus opens His heart; friends treasure, study, and faithfully pass on what He discloses (John 17:6–8; 2 Timothy 2:2). • Obey His Commands – “You are My friends if you do what I command you.” — John 15:14 – A friend gladly puts Jesus’ words into practice, proving love through obedience (John 14:21). • Abide in His Love – “Remain in My love.” — John 15:9 – Continuous, intimate fellowship is both privilege and duty; drifting is not an option (1 John 2:28). • Love One Another Sacrificially – “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” — John 15:12 – Friendship with Jesus spills over into Christ-like, self-giving love toward fellow believers (1 John 4:7-11). • Bear Lasting Fruit – “I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain.” — John 15:16 – The friend partners in the Master’s mission, producing character and converts that endure (Galatians 5:22-23; Matthew 28:19-20). • Stand Loyal under Opposition – “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.” — John 15:18 – Friendship involves sharing His reproach, holding fast when culture or courts turn hostile (Hebrews 13:13). Living It Out 1. Set aside daily time to listen to His Word; jot down what He reveals, then pray it back and obey. 2. Examine relationships: where can Christ-like sacrifice replace self-interest? 3. Identify one area of ministry where lasting fruit can grow—invest there intentionally. 4. Prepare for pushback; rehearse promises like Romans 8:31–39 to stay steady. Summary Jesus calls us friends, sharing His Father’s secrets. In return, true friends: treasure His words, obey Him, stay close, love others, bear fruit, and stand by Him whatever comes. |
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