Why is Jesus a Good Friend?

Introduction:

Friendship is a precious gift, offering companionship, support, and understanding. This study explores why Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate good friend, examining His profound connection with humanity and the qualities He embodies.

I. JESUS WAS TOUCHED BY THE TRUE WORTH OF EACH INDIVIDUAL.

Jesus looked beyond societal labels and saw the inherent value in every person, regardless of their background or past.

• A. Jesus was a friend of tax collectors and sinners (Luke 5:27-32):

◦ Jesus called Levi (Matthew), a tax collector despised by his fellow Jews, to be His disciple. He also ate with "tax collectors and other sinners," drawing criticism from the Pharisees and scribes.

◦ Discussion: Why were tax collectors so reviled in Jewish society? What does Jesus' willingness to associate with them reveal about His view of people? How might this challenge our own biases and judgments towards those on the margins of society in USA?

• B. Jesus' mission was to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:1-10):

◦ The story of Zacchaeus, another tax collector, illustrates Jesus' active pursuit of those considered lost. His interaction with Zacchaeus led to repentance and salvation.

◦ Discussion: What does it mean to be "lost" in a spiritual sense? How did Jesus actively "seek" Zacchaeus? How can we, as followers of Jesus, participate in seeking the lost in our communities?

• C. Jesus spent time with a woman who was living in sin (John 4:1-41):

◦ Jesus initiated a conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, a woman with a questionable past and from a group considered outsiders by the Jews. He revealed Himself as the Messiah to her.

◦ Discussion: What were the social and religious barriers between Jews and Samaritans, and between Jesus and this particular woman? What does Jesus' willingness to engage with her teach us about breaking down our own barriers?

• D. Jesus spent time with a woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11):

◦ Jesus intervened to protect a woman caught in adultery from being stoned, challenging the self-righteousness of her accusers and offering her a chance for a new beginning with the command to "go, and from now on sin no more."

◦ Discussion: How did Jesus demonstrate both grace and truth in this encounter? What does this story teach us about forgiveness and accountability in our relationships?

• E. Jesus was willing to die for all men (1 Peter 1:18-20):

◦ Peter emphasizes that we were redeemed not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. This sacrifice was for all humanity.

◦ Discussion: What does the universality of Christ's sacrifice tell us about the value God places on every single individual? How should this impact how we view and treat others?

II. JESUS WAS TOUCHED BY HIS LOVE FOR LOST HUMANITY.

Jesus' actions were motivated by a deep and profound love for humanity, even in our fallen state.

• A. Jesus set a new standard of love (John 15:12-13):

◦ "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

◦ Jesus' standard of love is sacrificial and selfless, demonstrated by His willingness to die for us.

◦ Discussion: How does Jesus' love for us serve as the benchmark for our love for others? What does it practically mean to love someone "as Jesus loved"?

• B. Jesus’ standard is for all His disciples (John 13:34-35):

◦ "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

◦ Jesus commands His followers to love each other in the same way He loved them, highlighting this love as the defining characteristic of a disciple.

◦ Discussion: How well do we, as the church in USA, reflect this standard of love in our interactions with each other and with the wider community? What can we do to better embody Jesus' love?

• C. Jesus saw us when we were dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1-10):

◦ Paul describes our former state as being "dead in our trespasses and sins," following the ways of the world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air. Yet, God, being rich in mercy, made us alive together with Christ by grace.

◦ Discussion: Reflect on your own life before knowing Christ. What does it mean to be "dead in sin"? How did Jesus' love reach you in that state?

• D. Jesus’ love for us moved Him to leave the glory of heaven (Philippians 2:5-8):

◦ Paul describes Jesus' humility in emptying Himself, taking the form of a servant, and being born in the likeness of men. He humbled Himself even to the point of death on a cross, all out of love for us.

◦ Discussion: What does Jesus' willingness to leave the glory of heaven and endure the cross tell us about the depth and nature of His love for humanity?

III. JESUS WAS TOUCHED BY HIS KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT AWAITS THE LOST.

Jesus' warnings about hell and His mission of salvation reveal His deep concern for the eternal destiny of every person.

• A. Jesus warns us about the horror of hell (Matthew 25:30, 41-46):

◦ Jesus used vivid imagery to describe the reality of hell as a place of "outer darkness," "eternal fire," and eternal punishment.

◦ Discussion: Why do you think Jesus spoke so plainly about hell? What does this reveal about His love and desire for people to avoid such a fate? How should this motivate our efforts to share the Gospel?

• B. Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to save it (John 3:16-17):

◦ "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

◦ Jesus' primary purpose was not to judge but to offer salvation, driven by God's love for the world.

◦ Discussion: How does this truth shape our approach to sharing the Gospel with those who do not yet know Christ? How can we reflect Jesus' posture of love and desire for salvation?

• C. Jesus snatches the lost out of the fire (Jude 22-23):

◦ Jude exhorts believers to have mercy on those who doubt and to "snatch others from the fire and save them." This reflects Jesus' own work of rescuing the lost from eternal destruction.

◦ Discussion: What does it mean to "snatch others from the fire"? What are some practical ways we can do this in our interactions with those around us who may be far from God?

• D. If a person is lost... (This section implies the dire consequences of remaining lost without Christ's saving grace.)

◦ Discussion: Reflect on the eternal implications of rejecting Jesus' offer of salvation. How does this understanding deepen our appreciation for His friendship and the urgency of sharing the Gospel?

IV. JESUS WAS TOUCHED TO SEE THE POSSIBILITIES IN EVERY PERSON.

Jesus looked beyond people's present state and saw the potential for transformation according to God's purpose.

• A. Jesus saw a rock in Peter (John 1:42):

◦ When Jesus first met Simon, He said, "You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter, or Rock). Despite Peter's initial impulsiveness and weaknesses, Jesus saw his potential to become a foundational leader in the church.

◦ Discussion: How did Jesus' vision for Peter differ from how others might have perceived him at that time? How does Jesus see our potential even when we see our own flaws?

• B. Jesus saw something in James and John besides "Sons of Thunder" (Luke 9:51-55; Acts 12:1-2; Revelation 1:9):

◦ Initially nicknamed "Sons of Thunder" for their fiery temper, James and John were transformed through their relationship with Jesus. James became the first apostle to be martyred, and John became the beloved apostle who wrote profound theological truths.

◦ Discussion: How did Jesus' patience and mentorship shape the lives of James and John? How does Jesus work in our lives to refine our character and help us grow beyond our weaknesses?

• C. Jesus wants to mold and shape us (Romans 9:20-26):

◦ Paul uses the analogy of a potter and clay to illustrate God's sovereign work in shaping individuals for His purposes. Just as Jesus saw potential in His disciples, God sees potential in each of us.

◦ Discussion: What does it mean to be "clay" in the hands of the "Potter"? How can we surrender ourselves to Jesus' molding and shaping in our lives?

V. JESUS IS A MODEL THAT EVERYONE CAN FOLLOW.

Jesus' life provides a perfect example for us to emulate in our own lives.

• A. Who is your hero? (This prompts personal reflection on who we admire and why.)

◦ Discussion: What qualities do you typically admire in a hero or role model?

• B. Jesus is a worthy model: Jesus embodies the highest virtues and lived a life worthy of imitation.

◦ Jesus followed wisdom from his youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1; Luke 2:42-49): Even as a young boy, Jesus demonstrated profound wisdom and a deep understanding of God's Word, prioritizing His Father's business.

◦ Jesus taught us that greatness lies in servanthood (Matthew 20:25-28): Jesus redefined greatness, emphasizing humility and serving others as the path to true significance.

◦ Jesus shows us that life does not consist of possessions (Luke 12:13-21): The parable of the rich fool warns against prioritizing material wealth over eternal values. Jesus modeled a life of simplicity and focus on God's kingdom.

◦ Jesus taught us to pray (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4): Jesus provided a model prayer, teaching us how to approach God with reverence, dependence, and a focus on His will.

◦ Discussion: In what specific ways can we follow Jesus' example in our youth, in our pursuit of greatness, in our attitude towards possessions, and in our prayer life here in USA?

Conclusion:

Jesus is the ultimate good friend because He sees our true worth, loves us unconditionally even in our lost state, is deeply concerned for our eternal well-being, sees the potential within us, and provides a perfect model for us to follow. His friendship is not based on what we can offer Him but on His boundless grace and love. As we reflect on these qualities, may we be drawn closer to Him and strive to be the kind of friends to others that Jesus has been to us. How will you embrace Jesus as your good friend and reflect His friendship to those around you this week?

Why is Jesus a Good Friend?