Friend of Sinners

Years ago, Facebook took over the term friend. It became something you made or dropped with the click of your mouse.

However, over the long haul, the word friend was a noble word which spoke of a relationship of warm affection between people that included loyalty, help, and welcoming, wrapped up into friendship.

It is fascinating to me to see how Jesus used the word. His enemies brought the worst accusation against Him by calling Him a “friend of sinners” (Luke 7:34). This was meant to demean Him, but He was indeed the Friend of sinners, who would die for us sinners.

Another verse used about Jesus was John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” The first word “love” is the Biblical love that would die for someone. This He did on the cross.

But He says He died for His friends!

He goes on to describe His followers who believed in Him as friends. How many times we drift from this, convinced that Jesus did die for us but is always disappointed in us. Here He reminds us that we are His friends, and His love is not only to die for us, but He holds a warm affection for us, along with loyalty.

Why not reset your relationship and walk with the Lord and return to the One who calls you friend!