Embracing Jesus' Friendship: Love, Unity, and Kindness
Summary
### Summary
On this special back-to-school Sunday, we gathered to celebrate and bless our children, teachers, and administrators as they embark on a new academic year. We also continued our cherished tradition of presenting Bibles to our third graders, encouraging them to read and cherish God's Word as they grow in their faith. The service was filled with prayers, affirmations, and a sense of community as we stood together in worship and support.
Today's sermon marked the beginning of a three-week series titled "All In," focusing on deepening our understanding of key Christian concepts. We explored the profound idea of Jesus as our friend, a concept often introduced to us in childhood but one that holds deep significance throughout our lives. Jesus' friendship is not just a comforting notion but a call to action, urging us to love one another as He loves us.
We delved into the scripture from John’s Gospel, where Jesus commands us to love each other as He has loved us, emphasizing that true friendship with Jesus involves following His commandments. This love is not meant to be contained within us but shared with others, transcending differences and divisions. We reflected on the diverse group of Jesus' disciples, who despite their differences, united in their love for Jesus and their commitment to His teachings.
The sermon also highlighted the importance of extending friendship and kindness beyond our immediate circles. We were reminded of a touching story of a young boy who reached out to comfort a classmate in distress, exemplifying the kind of love and friendship Jesus calls us to embody. This act of kindness serves as a powerful reminder that true friendship involves empathy, compassion, and a willingness to take risks to support others.
As we concluded, we were reminded that our choices matter. We can choose love, truth, and positivity, reflecting the friendship and love Jesus offers us. The service ended with the celebration of Holy Communion, a time to reflect on Jesus' ultimate act of friendship and sacrifice for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus as Our Friend: Understanding Jesus as our friend is foundational to our faith. This friendship is not just a comforting idea but a call to action, urging us to love one another as He loves us. This love is active and requires us to follow His commandments, reflecting His love in our daily lives. [46:12]
2. Unity in Diversity: Jesus' disciples were a diverse group with differing backgrounds and beliefs, yet they united in their love for Jesus. This teaches us that true friendship and community in Christ transcend our differences, calling us to work together despite our varied perspectives. [53:43]
3. Extending Kindness: True friendship involves empathy, compassion, and taking risks to support others. The story of a young boy comforting a distressed classmate reminds us that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact, embodying the love and friendship Jesus calls us to show. [56:39]
4. Mutual Love and Support: Friendship with Jesus is mutual, involving both receiving His love and extending it to others. This mutual relationship requires us to actively love and support those around us, breaking down barriers and building inclusive communities. [50:37]
5. Choices Reflecting Faith: Our daily choices reflect our faith and friendship with Jesus. We can choose love, truth, and positivity, embodying the values Jesus taught us. These choices not only shape our lives but also influence those around us, spreading the love and friendship of Christ. [01:01:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[24:09] - Apostles' Creed
[29:55] - Blessing for Teachers and Students
[31:29] - Third Grade Bible Presentation
[33:54] - Litany for Bible Presentation
[43:35] - Morning Prayer
[46:12] - Introduction to "All In" Series
[47:39] - Scripture Reading from John’s Gospel
[49:06] - Jesus as Our Friend
[50:37] - Mutual Love and Support
[52:02] - Jesus' Commandments
[53:43] - Unity in Diversity
[55:34] - Jesus' Friendship with All
[56:39] - Extending Kindness
[01:01:30] - Story of Friendship and Sacrifice
[01:03:46] - Holy Communion
[01:17:50] - Announcements and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- John 15:12-17 (NIV)
> "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other."
### Observation Questions
1. What command does Jesus give to His disciples in John 15:12?
2. According to John 15:13, what is the greatest expression of love?
3. How does Jesus describe the relationship between Him and His disciples in John 15:15?
4. What purpose does Jesus give for choosing and appointing His disciples in John 15:16?
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to love each other as Jesus has loved us? How can this be practically applied in our daily lives? [46:12]
2. How does the concept of laying down one’s life for friends challenge our understanding of friendship and sacrifice? [47:39]
3. In what ways can we see the diversity among Jesus' disciples as a model for unity in our own communities? [53:43]
4. How does the story of the young boy comforting his distressed classmate illustrate the kind of love and friendship Jesus calls us to embody? [56:39]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed someone showing love and friendship in a way that mirrored Jesus' command to love one another. How did it impact you or others involved? [46:12]
2. Think about your current friendships. Are there ways you can deepen these relationships by following Jesus' example of love and sacrifice? What specific actions can you take this week? [47:39]
3. In what ways can you contribute to unity within your church or community, especially among people with differing backgrounds and beliefs? How can you be a peacemaker in these situations? [53:43]
4. Identify a person in your life who might be in need of empathy and compassion. What steps can you take to reach out to them and offer support, even if it involves taking a risk? [56:39]
5. Reflect on your daily choices. How can you ensure that your actions reflect the love, truth, and positivity that Jesus teaches? What specific changes can you make to align more closely with His commandments? [01:01:30]
6. Consider the story of the man who jumped into the hole to help another out. How can you be more present and supportive to those around you who might be struggling? What practical steps can you take to be there for someone in need? [01:01:30]
7. As you participate in Holy Communion, how can you use this time to reflect on Jesus' ultimate act of friendship and sacrifice? How can this reflection inspire you to live out His love in your daily interactions? [01:03:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus as Our Friend
Understanding Jesus as our friend is foundational to our faith. This friendship is not just a comforting idea but a call to action, urging us to love one another as He loves us. This love is active and requires us to follow His commandments, reflecting His love in our daily lives. Jesus' friendship is a model for how we should treat others, emphasizing empathy, compassion, and selflessness. By embracing Jesus as our friend, we are called to embody His love in our interactions, making a tangible difference in the lives of those around us.
Jesus' friendship is not passive; it demands that we engage with others in meaningful ways. This means stepping out of our comfort zones to offer support, understanding, and kindness, even when it is inconvenient or challenging. As we grow in our friendship with Jesus, we learn to see others through His eyes, recognizing their inherent worth and value. This perspective transforms our relationships, fostering a community built on mutual respect and love. [46:12]
John 15:12-14 (ESV): "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. You are my friends if you do what I command you."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can show active love to someone in your life today. How can you reflect Jesus' friendship in this action?
Day 2: Unity in Diversity
Jesus' disciples were a diverse group with differing backgrounds and beliefs, yet they united in their love for Jesus. This teaches us that true friendship and community in Christ transcend our differences, calling us to work together despite our varied perspectives. The unity among Jesus' disciples serves as a powerful example of how we can come together, embracing our differences to create a stronger, more inclusive community. By focusing on our shared love for Jesus, we can overcome divisions and build relationships that reflect His teachings.
In a world often marked by division and conflict, the unity of Jesus' disciples is a testament to the transformative power of His love. This unity does not mean uniformity; rather, it celebrates the richness of our diverse experiences and perspectives. As we strive to follow Jesus' example, we are called to seek common ground, listen with empathy, and extend grace to those who may see the world differently. By doing so, we create a community that mirrors the inclusive and loving nature of Christ. [53:43]
Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: Reflect on a relationship where differences have caused tension. How can you seek unity and understanding in this relationship today?
Day 3: Extending Kindness
True friendship involves empathy, compassion, and taking risks to support others. The story of a young boy comforting a distressed classmate reminds us that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact, embodying the love and friendship Jesus calls us to show. These acts of kindness, though seemingly small, can create ripples of positive change, touching the lives of those around us in meaningful ways. By extending kindness, we reflect Jesus' love and make His presence known in our daily interactions.
Kindness is a powerful tool for building connections and fostering a sense of community. It requires us to be attentive to the needs of others, offering support and encouragement without expecting anything in return. As we practice kindness, we become more attuned to the ways we can make a difference, whether through a comforting word, a helping hand, or simply being present for someone in need. These acts of kindness not only uplift others but also deepen our own faith and understanding of Jesus' teachings. [56:39]
Proverbs 19:17 (ESV): "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who may be in need of kindness today. What specific action can you take to show them empathy and support?
Day 4: Mutual Love and Support
Friendship with Jesus is mutual, involving both receiving His love and extending it to others. This mutual relationship requires us to actively love and support those around us, breaking down barriers and building inclusive communities. By embracing this mutual love, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, reflecting the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry. This mutual support is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and community, where each person is encouraged to grow in their faith and contribute to the well-being of others.
Mutual love and support are foundational to building strong, healthy relationships. It involves a commitment to being there for one another, offering encouragement, and sharing in both joys and challenges. As we cultivate this mutual love, we create a network of support that strengthens our faith and helps us navigate the complexities of life. By following Jesus' example, we learn to prioritize the needs of others, creating a community that embodies His teachings and reflects His love. [50:37]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: Think of a way you can offer support to someone in your community today. How can you actively contribute to building an inclusive and loving environment?
Day 5: Choices Reflecting Faith
Our daily choices reflect our faith and friendship with Jesus. We can choose love, truth, and positivity, embodying the values Jesus taught us. These choices not only shape our lives but also influence those around us, spreading the love and friendship of Christ. By making intentional choices that align with Jesus' teachings, we demonstrate our commitment to living out our faith in practical ways. These choices serve as a testament to our relationship with Jesus, inspiring others to seek His love and guidance in their own lives.
Every decision we make, no matter how small, has the potential to reflect our faith and impact those around us. By choosing to act with love, integrity, and compassion, we create a ripple effect that extends beyond our immediate circle. These choices are a powerful witness to the transformative power of Jesus' love, encouraging others to explore their own faith journey. As we strive to make choices that honor Jesus, we become living examples of His teachings, drawing others closer to Him. [01:01:30]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did it reflect your faith and friendship with Jesus? What can you do today to ensure your choices align with His teachings?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When Jesus says that he wants us to have life in abundance, you know, what does that mean? How does that look? How does that manifest itself as we live our lives? This morning, we are looking particularly at this phrase, you know, Jesus is our friend. It's one of the first phrases that we learn. You know, we teach our children about friendship with God, friendship with Jesus." [46:12] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus loves us and accepts us as friends just as we are but he loves us too much just to leave us this way. Jesus would love you and accept you all your warts all of your shortcomings all your sins Jesus loves you but Jesus loves you so much that he is not going to leave you that way and as we follow him in friendship he will be with us every step of the way helping us and guiding us." [52:02] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus throughout the gospels you know he is accused of being friends with the wrong kinds of people he's been friends with the tax collectors and and the sinners jesus is accused and and and criticized for spending too much time with the poor and the tax collectors and the adulterers and and other undesirables yet jesus loves and accepts all jesus is friends with all whether young or old or rich or poor people from all different kinds can love and support and grow in jesus." [55:34] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Friendship is mutual it's a hand extending and another reaching back and so how do we do that what does it look like and as school started this week i was reminded of of an image that went viral uh a couple of years ago uh you might have seen this show up somewhere but it's these two little boys one was named uh chris christian uh and the other was named connor you know the first day of school connor who by the way is autistic was having a really difficult time and he was standing on by himself crying and christian this little boy eight years old not didn't know this person completely stranger to him went over and took this little boy's hand and stood with him and then led him into the school." [56:39] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It occurs to me as we close today that hate is a four-letter word. But you know what? So is love. So is love. Negativity is a 10-letter word. But so is positivity. That's also a 10-letter word. Lying is a seven-letter word, right? L-Y-I-N-G. Five-letter word. Lying is a five-letter word. But so is truth. Enemies. That's a seven-letter word. But so is friends. So it's a two-sided world that we live in. But we can make choices. And we can choose love. And we can choose truth. And we can choose positivity. We can choose to be friends." [01:01:30] (76 seconds)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus says this, no one has greater love than to give up one's life for one's friend. Reminds me of a story. You probably have heard it before. Maybe you have. But I think it makes a wonderful point. It's about this man who was walking one day and maybe he was looking at his cell phone. I don't know, whatever. But he didn't notice there was this big hole in the sidewalk. And so he falls down in this big deep hole in the sidewalk and he can't get out. And he's calling for help. And so who should come along but a doctor? He's saying, hey, hey, help me. Help me get out of this hole. So the doctor, writes him a prescription and throws it down into the hole. Well, that didn't help. And then comes along a preacher. He says, hey, help me. Help me out of this hole. And the preacher writes down a prayer, throws it down to the hole. Of course, that doesn't help him get out of the hole either. Then a third person came along. He says, hey, I'm in this hole. I can't get out. Can you help me get out of this hole? And so the man, jumped down in the hole with him. And he says, why did you do that? Now we're both stuck in this hole. And the guy said, yeah, I know. But I've been here before. And I know the way out. It's what Jesus did for us. Friendship with God. Friendship with Christ. Jesus came, surrendered his life so that we might know the love of God and have friendship with him." [01:01:30] (111 seconds)
2. "Jesus loves us and accepts us as friends just as we are but he loves us too much just to leave us this way Jesus would love you and accept you all your warts all of your shortcomings all your sins Jesus loves you but Jesus loves you so much that he is not going to leave you that way and as we follow him in friendship he will be with us every step of the way helping us and guiding us these are some of the things that he said if we're going to follow Jesus if we're going to be all in with Jesus this is my commandment love each other just as I have loved you but God tells he says you are my friends if you do what i command you he says i give you these commandments so that you can love each other and we get the idea as we see these verses that jesus didn't mean for the love just to stay contained and isolated within us but this was love that was meant to be shared and if we're going to be all in with jesus if we're going to experience that life that abundant life and all its fullness that means growing in love love of self love of god but also love of others love of neighbor." [52:02] (86 seconds)
3. "Let's think about that first friend group now he is talking in these passages he is talking to his his disciples he's he's teaching them so this friend group these 12 disciples this rag tag bunny of the individual individuals and they all had their own personalities they had all had their own beliefs they all had their own quirks i think sometimes we can have the idea that they were just all alike they were all fishermen and they they were there were a lot of fishermen for true but also in this friend group there was matthew who was a tax collector who had worked to support and promote the roman government also in this friend group there was a guy named simon the zealot and simon simon had worked to oppose the roman government and to overthrow it by violent means and so these two could not have been more different you know and and with the worldly sense of the time back then they were on the opposite ends of the political spectrum they were on the you know diametrically opposed they would you know through the world sense they would have been enemies and yet and yet they both loved jesus and they both wanted to follow jesus and so they were able to lay aside those differences and work together as friends and i think that is such such a such an important message for us today in this world because sometimes be so deeply divided and we got churches dividing we got families that are feuding with one another we got people who are deep friending their friends on social media left and right we are divided right now right but jesus calls us to look outside that and work together and be friends." [53:43] (60 seconds)
4. "Friendship is mutual it's a hand extending and another reaching back and so how do we do that what does it look like and as school started this week i was reminded of of an image that went viral uh a couple of years ago uh you might have seen this show up somewhere but it's these two little boys one was named uh chris christian uh and the other was named connor you know the first day of school connor who by the way is autistic was having a really difficult time and he was standing on by himself crying and christian this little boy eight years old not didn't know this person completely stranger to him went over and took this little boy's hand and stood with him and then led him into the school it was such a beautiful beautiful image and it was so populous powerful that I think it moved people. And so his mother, Christian's mother, saw that and was so proud of her son, she took a picture of it and put it on social media, and Connor's mother responded." [56:39] (69 seconds)
5. "Jesus says this, no one has greater love than to give up one's life for one's friend. Reminds me of a story. You probably have heard it before. Maybe you have. But I think it makes a wonderful point. It's about this man who was walking one day and maybe he was looking at his cell phone. I don't know, whatever. But he didn't notice there was this big hole in the sidewalk. And so he falls down in this big deep hole in the sidewalk and he can't get out. And he's calling for help. And so who should come along but a doctor? He's saying, hey, hey, help me. Help me get out of this hole. So the doctor, writes him a prescription and throws it down into the hole. Well, that didn't help. And then comes along a preacher. He says, hey, help me. Help me out of this hole. And the preacher writes down a prayer, throws it down to the hole. Of course, that doesn't help him get out of the hole either. Then a third person came along. He says, hey, I'm in this hole. I can't get out. Can you help me get out of this hole? And so the man, jumped down in the hole with him. And he says, why did you do that? Now we're both stuck in this hole. And the guy said, yeah, I know. But I've been here before. And I know the way out. It's what Jesus did for us. Friendship with God. Friendship with Christ. Jesus came, surrendered his life so that we might know the love of God and have friendship with him." [01:01:30] (111 seconds)
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