“What’s So Great About Jesus?”
This is an adapted excerpt from Square One, Session 6. Check out the full Square One series here.
Why do we love stories about friendship? Whether it’s Samwise refusing to let Frodo carry his burden alone, or the way Watson and Sherlock work together to solve a case. Don't we all want a friend like that? Someone who offers a shoulder to cry on, someone you can laugh with, or just call when you need a little help. A good friend is one of life’s greatest blessings.
Let’s get into it and grow closer to Jesus. What’s so great about him? He wants a deep, personal relationship with each of us, and he elevates the very meaning of the word “friend.”
Jesus looked at his disciples and said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Then, he did exactly that. He calls his followers “friends” and says he loves us with the same unfathomable, perfect love that God the Father has for him (John 15:9). Just let that sink in for a moment. He proved his friendship by giving his life for us while we were still his “enemies,” far from God (Rom. 5:10). If that’s what he does for his enemies, just imagine the confidence his friends can have in him!
The Big Idea
Once you know Jesus and his love, your life will never be the same. He’s already been a friend to you, and if you decide to follow him, he promises to “never leave you” so you can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear” (Heb. 13:5-6).
So what is Jesus like as a friend? We see his heart as we watch him interact with people. When his friend Lazarus died, Jesus didn't just show up with a comforting word; he was deeply moved and he wept (John 11:35). Then he did something no other friend could do: he called Lazarus out of the tomb and brought him back to life. This is the kind of friend Jesus is. Let's look at a few of his qualities.
First, Jesus is our compassionate friend. He truly sees us and understands our weaknesses. He once looked at a crowd and saw them as “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd,” and he was moved with deep compassion (Matt. 9:36). This wasn't just a feeling; it spurred him to action — to heal, to comfort, and to restore. He understands our struggles because he walked in our shoes, and he meets us not with condemnation, but with empathy and grace.
Next, he's our committed friend. He is reliable and dependable in a way no one else can be. He left the glory of heaven to be with us and save us. He lived his entire life with the cross in his sights, setting "his face to go to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51), knowing the immense suffering that awaited him. He saw his commitment through to the very end, announcing with his final words, "It is finished" (John 19:30). He did it all with joy, knowing how desperately we needed him to take care of our sin problem (Heb. 12:2).
Finally, he's our counseling friend. He teaches us how to truly live. Through his words and actions, Jesus offers a roadmap for navigating life’s complexities. His teachings on love, forgiveness, and humility challenge our worldly perspectives and push us toward spiritual growth. Before he left, he promised to send the Holy Spirit — the Helper or Counselor (John 14:26) — who would guide his followers into all truth. Through the Spirit, Jesus offers a constant source of wisdom and direction in our lives.
Jesus embodies the best qualities of a perfect friend. He offers the deepest compassion, an unwavering commitment, and the wisest counsel. He's the friend who, as the Proverb says, sticks closer than a brother.
The Big Question
Are you intrigued by Jesus? Are you drawn to following him? May we find our hearts growing closer and closer to Jesus this week, inspired by his incredible love and sacrifice for us.