Friend
Adapted from the book
I Am: 40 Bible Stories, Devotions, and Prayers About the Names of God
by Diane Stortz
Photo by Jerry Green
Good morning, grandchildren!
Today’s Scripture is:
"You are my friends if you do what I command you."
John 15:14 (ICB)
I love this name of Jesus because it is so personal.
God created us to want relationships—with other people and with Him. We all need friends. And it’s amazing to know that Jesus calls us His friend.
When I think about Jesus being my friend, it makes me feel close to Him—like I can talk to Him about anything I’m thinking or feeling. A good friend listens, understands, and cares, and Jesus does all of those things perfectly.
In the book of John, there is a story about Jesus’ disciples after Jesus had risen from the dead. The disciples went fishing, but they fished all night and caught nothing. Early in the morning, they saw a man standing on the shore. He called out to them and said, “Throw your nets on the other side of the boat.”
They did what He said, and suddenly their nets were filled with fish! Then they remembered—this had happened once before when they first met Jesus. They realized the man on the shore was Jesus! They hurried to Him, and Jesus cooked them breakfast and spent time with them. That’s what friends do.
Jesus didn’t just teach them—He cared for them. He called them His friends.
Who are your friends? What do you like to do with them?
Friends know each other well. They enjoy being together. They help each other, forgive each other, and care about each other’s feelings.
That’s exactly the kind of friend Jesus is. In fact, He is the best friend we will ever have—a friend who never leaves us and always loves us.
Let’s Pray Together
Thank You, Jesus, for calling us Your friends. It makes us feel loved and special. Help us listen to You and follow You like true friends do. We love You. Amen.