these, several became his closest friends. From the twelve apostles, he singled out Peter, James, and John to share special events with him. He loved Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary. When Lazarus died, Jesus felt so bad that he cried. Mary Magdalene was another friend. She stayed with Jesus through the Crucifixion, and she was the first one he appeared to after the Resurrection.
1. Jesus said that the greatest love a person can have for a friend is: 2. Jesus said we are his friends if we do what he commands, namely,
3. When I act as Jesus’ friend, I know I can
Invitation to Joy
count on his Father’s help, for Jesus said
Look, I am standing at the door, knocking. If one of you hears me calling and opens the door, I will come in to share a meal at that person’s side. Adapted from Book of Revelation 3:20
Jesus invites you to friendship. He knocks at the door of your life, a door that you alone can open. You are free to open it or not. Jesus loves you and wants you to be happy. He wants you to know the joy that comes to those who walk through life with him. With Jesus at your side, you can be at peace even when you suffer. You saw that Jesus’ title Son of Man can refer to his being human. It can also refer to his Second Coming. In the Book of Daniel, the Son of Man is someone who comes in glory at the end of the world.
4. Add two endings to the following statement. Then rank all of them, using number 1 for the most difficult. It is not always easy to carry out Jesus’ command. I find it difficult to help with work at home. listen when adults talk. be kind when others do not play well in a game. be happy when someone gets what I want.
Jesus would like you, his friend, to share his glory, to spend an eternity of happiness with him, his Father, and the Holy Spirit. Will you enter into friendship with him? Will you feast with him at the banquet of heaven?
The Ultimate Test Like all friendships, friendship with Jesus has its responsibilities. Jesus asks a great deal of you. Read John 15:12–17 in which Jesus speaks to you about being friends. Think about his words and complete these statements:
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