A Bond Unbroken: The Friendship of Jonathan and David
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 18:24
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
Introduction:
In the tumultuous narrative of David's life, we find a beacon of unwavering loyalty and profound friendship in Jonathan. David, pursued by the jealous King Saul, faced isolation and danger, desperately needing a true companion. Jonathan, the son of Saul, a prince and courageous warrior, risked everything to stand by David. Today, we will explore the remarkable friendship of Jonathan and David, drawing lessons about the nature of true friendship and its power to strengthen us in God.
I. The Context: A Friendship Forged in Adversity
A. David’s Plight:
• David was in dire straits, hunted by King Saul's relentless pursuit.
• He needed a friend who would stand with him in his darkest hour.
B. Jonathan’s Character:
• Jonathan, Saul's son and a prince in Israel, was a courageous warrior.
• He possessed a rare nobility of spirit, choosing loyalty over personal gain.
• He risked his position and even his life for David.
C. The Testimony of Scripture:
• 1 Samuel 20:4, 17: Jonathan and David made a covenant, a bond of deep and abiding friendship.
• 2 Samuel 1:25-26: David’s lament after Jonathan's death reveals the profound love and respect he held for his friend.
• Jonathan was killed in the battle of Mt. Gilboa against the Philistines.
II. Jonathan Was a Real Friend:
A. True Friendship Is Priceless (Proverbs 17:17):
• "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
• Real friendship cannot be purchased; it is a gift of the heart.
B. Real Friendship Begets Real Friendship (Proverbs 18:24):
• "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
• True friendship is a reciprocal relationship, built on mutual trust and loyalty.
C. Jonathan’s Loyalty in Good and Bad Times (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 23:15-18):
• Jonathan’s friendship began in a moment of admiration and covenant making, and sustained through times of great danger.
• He sought out David in his hiding place, strengthening his resolve.
III. Jonathan’s Friendship Strengthened David’s Hand in God:
A. A Friendship Rooted in Faith (1 Samuel 23:16):
• "And Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods, and strengthened his hand in God."
• The most valuable friendships are those that draw us closer to God.
B. A Friendship That Leads to Trust in God:
• True friends encourage us to rely on God and become better Christians.
C. A Friendship That Corrects and Encourages (Proverbs 27:6, 9):
• Proverbs 27:6: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy."
• Proverbs 27:9: "Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel."
• Real friends will not condone our wrong but will seek to lead us away from wrong into what is right.
IV. We Must Take Care of Our Friends:
A. Gratitude and Respect (Proverbs 27:10):
• "Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away."
• We should thank God for our friends and treat them with respect.
B. Avoid Abuse and Exploitation:
• We should never use or take advantage of our friends.
C. Guard Against Gossip and Division (Proverbs 16:28; 17:9):
• Proverbs 16:28: "A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends."
• Proverbs 17:9: "He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends."
• Don’t let a gossiper or whisperer separate you from your friends.
D. The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12; 22:39):
• Matthew 7:12: "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
• Matthew 22:39: "And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
• We should treat our friends with the same love and respect we desire for ourselves.
- Preaching on Jabez's Prayer 1 Chronicles 4:10
- Preaching on If You Abide in My Word John 8:30-32
- Preaching on Simplicity of a Christian Life (1 Peter 5:5-7)
Conclusion:
The friendship of Jonathan and David is a powerful testament to the beauty and strength of true friendship. Let us cultivate such friendships in our lives, seeking companions who will strengthen our faith, encourage us in our walk with God, and stand with us through thick and thin. Let us also be mindful of how we treat our friends, showing them the love and respect they deserve. May God bless us with friendships that reflect the love of Christ. Amen.
