“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)
If you have watched the Toy Story franchise, you will likely remember Randy Newman's heartwarming theme song, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” The song is about loyalty and friendship, and no matter what obstacles come, we are to help each other. Having these kinds of connections is essential in life. We need that special someone with whom we can share life’s joys and disappointments.
The earthly Jesus understood friendships. The disciples were more than followers; they were close friends with whom Jesus shared his most intimate secrets. In John 15:15, Jesus says, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” Immediately before this, he declared the depth of this friendship, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (v. 13)
Jesus came as our friend to do precisely that; He died upon the cross to save us. An earthly friend may step in front of a speeding vehicle to push us from harm's way or donate an organ, which are extraordinary and self-sacrificial acts to be commended for sure; they cannot save our spiritual lives. Only God made flesh in Jesus Christ could do that. Though humanity sinned in the Garden of Eden, walking away from His goodness in their desire to be like God, God came to heal our wounds.
There is another song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” which emphasizes the intimacy of our divine relationship with Jesus: “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to surrender everything to God in prayer!” This opening line reminds us of the sacrificial love and loyalty of our friend Jesus, who laid down his life for us so we might be healed.
Father, we confess we have sinned against You, but we can be healed thanks to Your Son Jesus, who sacrificed His life for us. What a privilege it is to have Him as our friend. When we are discouraged or need a place of refuge, He is as close as a prayer. A simple thanks is not enough; we pledge our loyalty and friendship to You instead. Lord, help us to live righteous lives. In the name of our friend Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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