May 17

JESUS, FRIEND of SINNERS: “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’” (Lk 7:34). Their bitterest words turned sweet in the presence of the Lord Jesus. Clearly He is the world’s Best Friend. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (Jn 15:13). Their hatred could not restrain His love, for it was not for friends He died: “…when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son” (Rom 5:10). And now, today, He offers personal, intimate, delightful friendship to us. What are the terms? “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” (Jn 15:14). This is not the usual requirement for friendship—you do everything I say and we’ll be friends! But He is no ordinary friend. When your Friend knows everything, owns everything, and can do everything, a friendship with such a Person will mean we trust Him in everything, too.

Donate