It’s interesting that studies show that friendships are on the decline. One study showed that Americans have 1/3 fewer friends then they did 30 years ago. People today are living lonelier and more isolated lives. In the 1980’s, the average American had at least 3 people they could confide in, and share the intimate details of their life. Here we are in 2021, and the number is down to less than two people. And, 1 in 4 people have no close confidantes at all. Whatever gave us the idea that friends are optional? Whatever gave us the idea that we don’t need people to share our lives with, – the good, the bad, and the ugly? Isn’t that why Jesus called the 12 disciples in the first place? In fact, early in Mark’s gospel (3:14) it says, “He called to himself the twelve so that they might be with him.” So important were friends to Jesus that the night before he called the twelve, -- he stayed up all night praying. Imagine, even with his perfect relationship with the Father in heaven, Jesus still needed friends.  

Aristotle said there are 3 kinds of friendships. The first is a friendship based on “Utility,” like when business people network together in order to promote and build up each other’s business. It’s a kind of a “you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.” The second kind of friendship is based on “Pleasure,” where you’re at a party enjoying each other’s friendship around the hors d’oeverurs and punchbowl, making pleasant conversation into the night. Aristotle said, “Both of these friendships are shallow, because they are based on circumstances that can easily change.” But the third is called “Perfect Friendship,” which is based on the devotion to another person. He said this kind of friendship is permanent, precious, -- and also very rare. My friends, our faith hinges on the fact that Jesus could have walked away. He did not have to go through with the cross. Out of love, Jesus lay down his life for his friends. The FRIEND of friends – who didn’t shy away from sacrifice, but gave His everything for us. As Paul said in Romans 8:32, “God gave him up for us all.”  

This Sunday, June 6, I am continuing my sermon series as we look at the PERMANENT friendship of Jesus and Us. So, please join us as we also celebrate Holy Communion at both services. You can join us in person at either 8:00 am or 10:30 am in our newly remodeled sanctuary, or at 10:30 am via Zoom, Facebook Live, and Youtube. 

Pastor John