Jesus, friend to the wannabe’s

Who were the friends of Jesus?  Who frustrated Jesus? I want to know so I too can be known as a friend of Jesus.   Not preachy or “holier than thou,” but, the kind of person Jesus would want to hang out with.  Jesus was close to maybe two dozen people. I wonder what I can learn from them about how to be a friend to Jesus.   The friends of Jesus were a few socialites but most of His friends were those with problems, needs, and issues. They were the outcasts, disenfranchised, marginalized, poor, sick, and those who felt “less than”.  In today’s society, who would these be? 

Let’s take a long, hard, honest look at the friends of the Savior.

Brash and brazen Peter

Our first friend is a boisterous “mouth filled with foot” fisherman! This guy was more guts than glory because he desired to impress! He spoke before he thought, acted without weighing consequences, aimed high and scored low.  He would leap to defend not just with words but with a sword. (Matthew 26:51, Mark 14:47, Luke 22:51, John 18:10)   Know anyone like this? I sure do!  At one time or another I have exhibited ALL these traits. 

Simon the Fisherman

 But it is not how our friend, Simon the fisherman, (Matthew 4:18)  started out that really matters. It is what knowing Jesus did in his life and how he became a “fisher of men”  (Matthew 4:19)  that makes this rugged individual special to Jesus!  Jesus saw potential! He saw the personality traits given to this man by His Father that simply needed direction and purpose. Peter was above all things a good student. He modeled the Master! He walked in the footsteps of Rabbi Jesus (Mark 1:19, John 1:37-42) absorbing the dust of His footprints and taking on His character one moment at a time. Because of Peter’s tenacity,  he attempted the impossible and was successful! Maybe not successful by man’s standards but in the only eyes that mattered: His heavenly Father’s eyes and the eyes of the Son.  He was used mightily to change the world and show billions the way back to the Garden and eternity with Christ! 

Matthew 26:69-75

Meek and moldable

Yes, like us, Peter failed miserably at times.  So much so, those moments were used by the enemy to try to shame him into a state of inactivity due to depression and feelings of inadequacy.   Thankfully, despite his biggest failure (denying Christ), the Holy Spirit empowered Peter to rise from the pit of disgrace and speak with the boldness of Christ himself! 

Jesus Friend of sinners

We too are given the same gifts of the Spirit (I Corinthians 12:4) and have full access to the power of Christ! Think of it, Jesus said we would “do even greater works than He”! (John 14:12) Writing is really not in my natural abilities any more than being eloquent was in Peter’s.  But writing (creativity), eloquence, healing, power to raise the dead, and multiplying little into much IS in Jesus wheelhouse!  These are the gifts He gives His friends! Do you want to be a friend of Jesus? Come as you are! I promise, all your warts, wrinkles, and wickedness are welcome! Jesus takes what we are and then uses it ALL for the glory of His Father and the good of mankind (ourselves and the world)!  (Isaiah 1:18, Revelation 22:17, Joel 2:32,  II Corinthians 5:17)

So, what can I learn from Peter?  I can only fail if I fail to try.  I must leave past mistakes in the past and learn lessons from the mistakes.  I should think before I speak. I need to follow Jesus and no other. I too have potential, God given potential.  Friends of Jesus are willing to fail and try again—good students!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGLSk3AVcUU

 

You Are Loved by Josh Groban (youtube)

Father in Heaven, Lord over the wind and the waves,

Thank you for never giving up on us and for taking the personalities You placed within us and using them in Your kingdom for Your glory and our good.  To think You love us this much is beyond comprehension and we are awed by Your grace. Today, we ask nothing from Your hand. We bow in worship as Simon the “stone” did and we rise as Peter the “rock” upon which You continue to build Your church.  We are forgiven because of the blood of Christ. Praise the Lord!

Yvonne Jones

Additional reading

Finding the Keys