For further study and discussion:
Read John 15:15
“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you”
Reflect on the significance of Jesus calling his disciples friends instead of servants. What does this reveal about the nature of Jesus’ relationship with his followers?
How does the idea of friendship with Jesus challenge our traditional understanding of a master-servant relationship? What implications does this have for our understanding of authority and obedience in the Christian life?
Consider the qualities of friendship—such as trust, intimacy, and mutual sharing—in light of Jesus’ statement. How do these qualities manifest in our relationship with Jesus and in our relationships with one another within the church community?
Jesus mentions that he has made known to his disciples all that he has heard from the Father. How does this aspect of friendship with Jesus deepen our understanding of God’s revelation and our role as recipients and sharers of divine truth?
How does the concept of friendship with Jesus inspire us to cultivate deeper intimacy and trust in our relationship with him? What practical steps can we take to nurture this friendship and grow closer to Jesus in our daily lives?