If anyone had a legitimate right to say, "I don't have time," it was Jesus. He was busy! He was sent to save the world and disciple a group of men and women to lead the Church once he left for Heaven, yet he still took time for his friends.
I think we can safely argue that Jesus's friends were not limited to that small band of men he traveled around with. In other words, if Jesus had Facebook or Twitter, his friend list would have been astronomical! Therefore, when Jesus set the example for friendship by taking time to invest deeply in his friends, he was expecting that we do the same. In fact, Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) to point out that everyone is our "neighbor," not just those people who fit into our social set.
In John 21, Jesus meets with his disciples one last time before ascending to Heaven. After a night of fishing but not catching anything, the disciples were headed into shore. Jesus, whom they didn't recognize, was standing on the beach and told them to cast their nets again. They did and brought up a net-load of fish. Then the disciples recognized him (he'd done this for them once before). Peter jumped into the water and headed straight for Jesus. When the others joined them, Jesus prepared breakfast. Jesus took care of their physical hunger and then attended to matters of the heart.
Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him. Each time, Peter professed his love, and each time Jesus commanded Peter to feed or shepherd his sheep. The interesting thing about this exchange is that the first two times Jesus questioned Peter regarding his love, Jesus used the form of the word love that implies deep spiritual love, obedience to God's commandments because of that love. Peter affirmed each time his affection, using the lesser meaning of the word, fondness. The last time Jesus asked, he too used the weaker of the two definitions, but I don't think it's because he doubted that Peter loved him at the much deeper, spiritual level. Peter's self-confidence was deeply shaken; he'd betrayed Jesus. The incredible thing about Jesus, though, is that he knew Peter, beyond appearances, and called him to shepherd his sheep, to lead the Church. Jesus knew that Peter would have that deep abiding love for his Savior that would cause him to be obedient and devote his life to serving God and others.
As a Christ-follower, we are commanded to be a friend like Jesus. That means we are to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39). That takes time! It's messy! It's sacrificial! It's risky! It's nothing short of what Jesus does for us! As we move through our day-to-day lives, we need to evaluate what is taking our time. If those things are keeping us from spending time with the Lord, then we need to re-think their importance. If we are so busy that we can't see the needs of the people around us - our family members, our friends, our colleagues, our fellow Christians, strangers - then we aren't fulfilling what we're expected to do as Christians.
Just as the disciples and early Christians weren't left unequipped to be friends like Jesus, neither are we. In John 14:12-27, Jesus told his disciples that he would send a Comforter, and Helper, for us. He knows our lives, he knows what we have to accomplish each day, and he also knows what he's called us to be in this life - Jesus with skin on. He knows, and he equips. We have to determine to love (agape) him. Then, trust God for the rest - and the rest (Matthew 11:28).
Lord, we are so thankful that when we have lost confidence in ourselves, you haven't. You look past our flaws and see the beauty of your creation and what we can be in you. Thank you for taking the time to lead each of us to a deeper understanding of who you are and who you want us to be. Thank you for your gracious friendship.
Please help us to slow down and be a friend to those around us. Let us see with your eyes and share your love with others. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who equips us to serve you and others. Amen.
