The disciples had just received very disturbing news. Jesus was going away, and where he was going, they could not come, at least for the time being. Peter, their outspoken leader, said that he would follow Jesus no matter what. In fact, he was willing to die for Jesus. But his words were silenced as Jesus explained to Peter that he would not be dying with Jesus, but instead, denying him.

In an extended record of Jesus’ words, he comforted the disciples. He promised to send another Helper—the Spirit of truth—who would never leave or forsake them. Jesus expressed his great love by explaining, “greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” Then, in one of the most profound proclamations of all time, Jesus—God in the flesh—said that those who trust in him are not servants. He calls us friends because everything he learned from the Father he made known to us.

John 15:15
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

What an amazing truth lies at the foundation of our identity! I am a friend of the Creator! The eternal, omnipotent, all-powerful, omniscient, all-loving God chooses to call me, a sinner saved only by his grace, his friend! He chooses to communicate with me! Let’s never get over that astounding truth!

Lord Jesus, I can only be your friend because of what you did for me. I can only love you because you first loved me. Thank you for the price you paid so that I can be your friend forever. Thank you for calling me your friend. Amen.