A FRIEND OF JESUS?
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Readings:
Exodus 33:7-11,34:5-9,28
Psalm 103:6-13
John 11:19-27
Today is the feast of Saints Mary, Martha and Lazarus; Jesus’ friends in Bethany. Interestingly, the Scriptures refer to them as friends of Jesus. This is because they opened their hearts and their home to Jesus and gave Him their hospitality (Luke 10:38-42). When Mary and Martha sent words to Jesus about Lazarus, they said, “Your good friend Lazarus is sick” (John 11:3). When Jesus later learnt of Lazarus’ death, we are told that He wept (John 11:35). This is the only place in the entire Scripture where Jesus actually weeps for somebody who has passed. But we know how the story ends—Martha professes faith in Jesus as the Christ and Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. The most important point here is that they are friends of Jesus.
Can people say from your life that you are a friend of Jesus? Does your sense of style, manner of speech, the content you consume, the things you post on social media, the kind of relationships you are involved in, the places you go and the kinds of friends you keep speak to the quality of relationship you have with Jesus? I know that often we falter and make mistakes (I also make mistakes). But remember who you ought to be. We ought to be in Jesus’ company always. In the way we speak, in the way we think, in the way we treat others, in the things we grant access into our minds and memory bank, in our generosity towards people that we don’t even know, can we be more like Jesus who went about doing good (Acts 10:38)?
As you are generous to others, as you open your heart to others, knowing that you are doing it for the sake of Jesus Christ, may God continue to bless you. May God grant you grace. May Saints Mary, Martha and Lazarus intercede for us and help us to be true friends of Jesus.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Eternal Father, You revealed Your Son to the world as the Resurrection and the Life. Help us to truly be His friends and to imitate His love for you and for our neighbour, and desire to know, love and serve You always through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God grant you a generous heart, a noble spirit, purity of intention and protection from the works of the enemy in all you do today and always through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Have a blessed and grace-filled day.
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