Jesus Calls Us Friends: Living in His Life and Love

He is my Aslan

An Unexpected Friendship

What would it feel like to have someone you deeply admire—someone powerful, holy, and perfect—call you their friend? It's humbling, maybe even overwhelming. And yet, in one of the most extraordinary passages of Scripture, Jesus tells His disciples:

“You are my friends if you do what I command. 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.” (John 15:14-15)

These words are both staggering and deeply comforting. Jesus—God incarnate, our Lord, and King—has every right to command us as servants. Yet, here He calls His disciples His friends. He isn’t dismissing His lordship, but He is drawing them closer, inviting them into something intimate, something relational.

But what does it mean to live as His friends? Is it simply about trying harder to obey Him, or is it about something far deeper—a life where obedience flows naturally from love, as we walk in step with Him?

This is where the beauty of the exchanged life shines. It’s not about striving to live for Jesus but allowing Him to live His life in and through us.

Rooted in His Love

Jesus begins this passage with the foundation of everything: His love. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love” (John 15:9).

Before we can even begin to live as His friends, we must first understand His love for us. Not just a fleeting or conditional love, but the very love the Father has for His Son. This is the love He extends to us.

He doesn’t call us into friendship as mere acquaintances or followers who obey out of duty. Instead, He invites us to know His heart, to abide in His love, and to live in a relationship rooted in grace.

Obedience as the Fruit of Friendship

At first glance, Jesus’ words, “You are my friends if you do what I command,” might seem daunting, as though friendship with Him hinges on our performance. But this isn’t about proving ourselves worthy of His love.

Instead, obedience is the natural response of a heart transformed by His love. It’s not about striving to meet a standard; it’s about staying connected to the One who empowers us to live in His fullness.

Just before calling His disciples friends, Jesus gives them an incredibly thought-provoking illustration:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

The secret to obedience lies not in our efforts but in abiding in Him. When we remain connected to Jesus—the source of all life and goodness—the fruit of obedience grows naturally, just as grapes grow on a vine.

It’s His life flowing through us, enabling us to live in a way that honors Him. As we rest in Him, His Spirit leads us, making obedience a joyful expression of love rather than a burdensome task.

Friendship That Transforms

One of the most beautiful aspects of friendship with Jesus is the way it changes us. As we abide in His love and allow His life to flow through us, we begin to reflect His character. This transformation is not something we achieve but something He accomplishes in us.

Jesus shares His heart with us, saying, “Everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). Through this friendship, He draws us into the very heart of God.

Spending time with Him in prayer, meditating on His Word, and simply being present with Him opens our eyes to see the world through His perspective. His priorities become ours. His love flows through us, transforming how we interact with others.

And this transformation bears fruit—lasting fruit. Jesus tells His friends, “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last” (John 15:16). This fruit isn’t about achievements or accolades; it’s the enduring impact of a life lived in Him.

A Humbling Reality

As I reflected on this passage, I was struck by the depth of Jesus’ invitation. While He calls us friends, it’s important to remember the distinction: He is still our Lord, our King, and our God.

In His divine grace, He allows us to approach Him, to know Him, and to abide in His love. Yet, we must guard against any temptation to approach this friendship casually or irreverently. His friendship is not like the earthly relationships we know—it is holy, transformative, and rooted in His infinite love.

This isn’t a friendship of equals. It’s a friendship initiated by the One who holds all authority in heaven and earth. We respond in awe and humility, honoring Him as Lord while marveling at the grace that allows us to be called His friends.

An Invitation to Abide

Living as Jesus’ friends begins with abiding in His love. It’s not about adding more to your spiritual to-do list; it’s about making Him the center of your life.

Spend time with Him. Meditate on His Word. Talk with Him throughout your day. And trust Him to live His life through you, moment by moment.

This is the heart of the exchanged life: surrendering our efforts, our fears, and our striving, and allowing Him to be our functional source of life.

A Prayer of Praise

Lord Jesus, You are our Lord and King, and we stand in awe of Your majesty. Yet You call us friends, inviting us into a relationship of love and trust. Thank You for sharing Your heart with us, for giving us the privilege of abiding in You.

May Your life flow through us, bearing fruit that lasts and reflecting Your love to the world. Guide us to walk humbly, honoring You as Lord while embracing the grace of being called Your friends. You alone are worthy of our praise and devotion. Amen.

Reflect and Share

How has understanding Jesus’ love shaped your relationship with Him?
In what ways can you abide in His love and allow His life to flow through you?

Let’s encourage one another to walk in the light of His love and grace. Share your reflections below!