It seems many people have lost or never known the true meaning of friendship in today’s world. Many times I’ve talked to people who say of a past friendship, “No, I’m not their friend anymore. They did or didn’t do this or that, so I stopped being their friend.” A lot of people today base their “friendships” solely on what they can get out of the relationship with that certain person, and as soon as they feel their needs aren’t being met, or they can no longer “use” the person for their own personal needs, they end or at least greatly distance the friendship.
When Jesus Christ was in the Garden of Gethsemane before His death on the cross, Judas came from the High Priest with others to betray Jesus. Here Judas had been one of the 12 who followed Jesus throughout His earthly ministry. He had been there when Jesus healed this sick, cast out demons, and shared His amazing love with the people He came in contact with, and yet he had now for a mere 30 pieces of silver, betrayed the Son of God. Look at what the Bible says in Matthew 26:47-50, “While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.”
Notice Jesus didn’t say, “You thief, backstabber, crook”, no – He called him FRIEND! Matthew 11:19 tells us, “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold…a friend of tax collectors and sinners!” Jesus loved those whom most of us would stay as far away from as possible. He was a friend to those who needed a friend, not to those whom He could “use” or “get something in return”. And when you stop and seriously think about it – we are ALL sinners, and the fact that Jesus Christ loves each of us ought to spur us to love others just as much!
Now, that doesn’t mean that Jesus condoned or participated in the wrong actions and sinful lifestyle of those who did not live a righteous life, it means simply that He was kind to them, loved them, and sought to help them and to change their lives.
Thousands, if not millions, of people in this world today need to know that kind of friendship. And they should know it from us who claim to follow Jesus Christ. We should seek every possible opportunity to be a friend to those who can do little or nothing in return, and even to those who would do us harm at the drop of a hat. What better way is there to show the love of God to this world?