True Friendship

Scripture:

Matthew 26:47-50 (NASB)

While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people.  Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.”  Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.  And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.

Devotional:

John 15:13 (NASB) “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”  Friendship is a term we loosely throw around.  It seems to me that being called a friend is a little better than just acquaintances.  Instead of saying this person is an acquaintance we simply say they are a friend.  As a result we have friends everywhere.  But what does it really mean to be a true friend?  In John 15:13 it states that there is no greater friend than someone willing to die for you.  When we think of friendship we think of loyalty, devotion, acceptance, and love.

Jesus gives us His unconditional friendship no matter what.  Look at Judas who betrayed Jesus unto death.  Despite this even as He is being betrayed Jesus calls Judas a friend.  I think most of us would slap him or have something nasty to say.  Instead Jesus still gave His love and friendship.  The best thing is that He does so with each of us as well.  It doesn’t matter what we do, who we hurt, or what happens.  Jesus is ever faithful, ever loving, and ever caring.  He is our unconditional friend no matter what.  We need to rethink the definition of friendship and realize its true depth and meaning.  Are we loyal?  Are we devoted?  Do we accept with no conditions?  Do we love unconditionally?  Are you a ‘true friend?’  Jesus is…