🧒 Children’s Devotional — Day 212

Jesus Calls Me His Friend

📖 “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.”
—John 15:14 (NKJV)

Have you ever thought about what makes someone a good friend? A good friend cares about you, tells you the truth, and wants what is good for you. Jesus told His disciples something wonderful: He called them His friends.

But Jesus did not say friendship with Him means we can simply do whatever we want. He said, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” Our obedience does not earn His love. Obedience shows that we truly love Him and recognize Him as our Lord.

Jesus had already told His disciples, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15, NKJV). Loving Jesus and obeying Jesus belong together.

Jesus also explained why He called His disciples friends. A servant may simply receive instructions, but Jesus had shared with His disciples what He had heard from His Father. He was teaching them to know God and understand what He was doing.

And Jesus showed them how great His love was. He said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13, NKJV). Soon afterward, Jesus would go to the cross.

What an amazing Friend! Jesus not only said that He loved His disciples. He showed His love through what He did.

When Jesus tells you what is right in His Word, you can trust Him. His commands are not meant to lead you away from what is good. The One commanding you is the One who loves you and gave Himself for sinners.

Sometimes obedience will be easy, and sometimes it will mean choosing what Jesus says when you would rather do something else. That is when you can remember who He is. You are not following a stranger. You are following the Savior who loves you and always speaks truth.

Knowing Jesus means learning to love Him, trust Him, and obey what He says.

There is no better Friend to follow than Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for loving Your people and showing that love by giving Your life for us. Help me listen to Your Word and obey what You command. When I want my own way, remind me that Your ways are good and that I can trust You. Teach me to know You more and follow You faithfully every day. Amen.