Transforming LonelinessSample

Section Four: The Most Treasured of Relationships

In John 15, Jesus uses the image of a vine to help us better understand our relationship to Him and to one another. He invites us to “remain” in Him, just as He remains in us. It’s hard to be lonely when we are truly entwined with the Son of God. Especially when we come to understand what it means to “bear much fruit” for bearing fruit has everything to do with how we relate to those around us. We are to live invitational lives—lives that invite others into the same intimate relationship we already have in Christ.

And then Jesus goes on to elevate our relationship to Him far beyond the metaphor of the vine and branches. In my mind’s eye, I picture Jesus looking into my eyes as He says these powerful words: “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15).

Jesus defines the love of a friend as being willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

No matter how lonely you may ever feel, the fact is you have a Friend in Jesus. The Son of God, who was with God from the beginning, who together with the Father created all there is, calls you His personal friend. A Friend who left heaven and came to earth for you. A Friend who spent His earthly life revealing God to you. A Friend who died for you so that He could present you before the Father as holy and blameless, so that you could spend eternity enjoying your friendship with God. A Friend who sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in you.

Jesus sees you as He saw Zacchaeus—just as you are, flaws and all—and still He calls you by name. He loves your company. And He is coming to your place to stay. It’s personal with Him. He’s moving in! Because of His friendship you are never alone. And because of His friendship you will never be the same. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Cor. 5:17). His friendship transforms you just as it did Zacchaeus. In calling you His friend, Jesus is giving you unconditional friendship, loving you just as you are, warts and all.

Questions:

1. Jesus calls you His friend. What does friendship mean to you?

2.How does one nurture a relationship with a friend? What can you do today to nurture your friendship with Jesus?

3. How easy is it for you to think of Jesus as loving your company? Read Philippians 1:9-11 and notice that growing in love and righteousness is a process. Though we may see ourselves as falling short, Jesus sees us for who we are becoming.