Let’s talk about “friends”…
When I say the word “friend” – what image immediately comes to your mind? Who is your “friend?”
I actually had fun with this…this was rather enjoyable!
We differentiate don’t we? Friends fall into “special categories.” Which is to say – that friends come in all shapes and sizes.
Some people have “good” friends, “close” friends, “best” friends and even “old” friends. Some people become “life-long friends.” And, I guess there are short-term friends…
We have “all kinds of words” to describe them, because there are so many types and kinds.
Some are “amigo’s” or “comrades,” some are “buddies” or “chums,” some are “pals” or “crony’s,” others are “sidekicks” or “brothers” or “bras,” others may be considered your “homeboys” or “blood brothers”…for sure – they are your “champions.”
Your sister may be your best friend and then again, maybe NOT!
This is major stuff…more major than we realize. It does get pretty involved!
Is a “friend” a simple “acquaintance” or are they something more? Is an “associate” necessarily a friend?
It is said – that a friend always has “personal regard” for you. They are your “supporter.” A “patron.” They stand by you. They have your back and can be found at your side.
Sometimes, a friend seems like it is “anyone and everyone” who is not “hostile” to you…or against you!
You are supposed to “trust” your friend, and I would speculate that many of us have been “burned” by that one. Sometimes we learn the hard way!
People we may “think of” as “friends” don’t always turn out to be so!
With friendship there is supposed to be affection, loyalty and intimacy. You can say anything to your friend.
The word itself – originally meant “one who loves” or “sets free,” a friend is someone you like and are friendly to…
Friendship can be very complicated! Very complicated sometimes – and even fragile!
When Jesus called his disciples “friends” he was, in effect removing any sense of “honor status – differences” between himself and his followers.
This was unheard of…
It was insane. It was a wild and crazy idea!
A Rabbi is a Rabbi and a student is a student. The Rabbi is the master. The student is subservient. The student receives his honor from his master.
Jesus has just leveled the “playing field” in an era and a time when the “playing field” was NEVER leveled. Ever. But Jesus did not care. He did it anyway!
From this historic moment on – their relationship would be forever changed.
Their relationship is no longer one of slaves who do what their master wishes…they are no longer “clients” seeking favors from their “patron” nor will they be considered disciples seeking a teaching or a learning from a teacher.
They are – for all intents and purposes “sociably equals.”
They are “friends” or “equals” who have “a solemn obligation” to look out for each other’s good!
A little bit of hunting showed me that in the culture of Jesus’ time, “status and reputation” stood above accomplishment.
It did not matter what someone DID.
What OTHERS “said” ABOUT him or her – DID MATTER GREATLY!
If someone did engage in activity, his or her efforts were only meant for self-glorification. (Through the eyes of many Jews) God blessed “his faithful” with “economic abundance” – “natural ability” – and “an impeccable reputation.”
The poor, the lame and the sinner were to be shamed and avoided at all costs.
Associations were important. It mattered WHO was and who WAS NOT your friend. In Jesus’ day ONE could use the title friend as a “bragging point”…it was a “tool” to raise one’s social status. It was MORE than name-dropping.
The friend of the Governor or the King shared in the power of the ruler, even vicariously. Remember it did not matter “WHAT” someone knew, it mattered “WHO” they knew. The friend of the rich and powerful – exerted all kinds of influence over their peers.
What could be greater than to be “the friend” of God’s Son?
To be a friend of the RISEN LORD meant something-huge! One more time, begging the question: Are you a friend of Jesus’? I pray it is so. Amen.