In John 15:12-17, in preparing for his death, Jesus redefines his relationship with his disciples. Rather than mere disciples, Jesus calls them his friends. This is the relationship that he established with them and that Jesus wants them to have with each other which is why he issues the command that they love one another as he has loved them. Here, Tim Keller explains how to meditate on the truth of Jesus’ love and friendship through meditating on his death.
Here are some points Tim Keller makes in the following video:
- Friends always let you in. They are honest and always open their hearts.
- Friends never let you down. They are always ready to be there for you.
- Jesus shows his friendship most supremely at the cross where he made himself absolutely vulnerable for us, opening our hearts to us. Jesus died on the cross committed to our friendship and salvation for us.
If you wonder if God cares about your life—the challenges you face, the pains you endure, and even the joys you have—think about the extent God has gone to show his love and friendship to you through Jesus' death on the cross. On the cross, Jesus paid the price sin deserves and reveals the mystery of God’s love for people like me and you.
Meditating on the death of Jesus can be a useful way to transforming your heart, minds, and actions because in all you feel, think, or do, you can know that God does care about the most minute details of your life. Meditating on the life of Jesus the way to fuller obedience to the command of Jesus:
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 5:12).
Watch the video below as Tim Keller reveals why meditating on the death of Jesus as an act of friendship can benefit your life, help you to obey God’s command to love, and enrich your friendship with God.
