No Longer Slaves, But Friends
May 23, 2025 - Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter
John 15:12–17
Imagine the most important person you can think of—someone with real power, influence, and respect. Now imagine that person looks at you and says, “You’re not just my follower. You’re my friend.”
That’s what Jesus does in today’s Gospel.
He tells His disciples—and us—“I no longer call you slaves… I call you friends.” Let that sink in. The God of the universe, the Savior of the world, calls you His friend.
That wasn’t always how things worked. In many religions, people saw themselves only as servants of God—doing what they were told, obeying without fully understanding. But Jesus changes everything. He says, “A servant doesn’t know what the master is doing—but I’ve told you everything I heard from my Father.” That means He’s opened His heart to us. He’s shared His mission, His love, His dreams for the world. And now He wants us to be part of it—not as slaves, but as trusted friends.
We see the roots of this kind of friendship way back in the Bible. There’s a man named Abraham—an old guy who listened to God, left everything behind, and followed where God led him. Abraham trusted God, and God called him “friend.” (James 2:23) That’s the kind of relationship Jesus offers you now.
But friendship isn’t just a label. It’s a way of life. Jesus says, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” What’s the command? “Love one another as I have loved you.”
In other words: Love like Jesus. Be that kind of friend to others.
Jesus is the ultimate “friend in need.” He didn’t leave us stuck in sin or pain—He stepped in, suffered with us, and gave His life for us. That’s the kind of love He’s inviting us to share.
And here’s something amazing: He didn’t just save us. He chose us. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit.” That means your life has meaning. You’ve been sent. You’ve been trusted. You’ve been invited into a mission that’s bigger than you—but one you were made for.
So how do you live as a friend of Jesus?
Listen to His voice in Scripture and prayer.
Love people the way He loves you—fully, honestly, with no strings attached.
Say yes to His call, even when it’s tough or risky.
Being friends with Jesus isn’t about being perfect. It’s about saying, “I’m in. I want to walk with You. I want to love like You. I want to be part of what You’re doing in the world.”