Ownership (Part 1)

Years ago, there used to be a popular shirt which said, "Jesus is my homeboy." At the time I thought that was funny, but it caused me to ask, "Is Jesus really my homeboy, or better yet, is Jesus my friend?" The Bible says that, "A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24) I think there is a sense of responsibility, obligation, and even ownership in a friendship. When we become someone's friend we are giving them a part of our lives, and we trust them as our friend. One of the greatest examples of sacrifice is found in the life of Jesus. The Bible tells us that Jesus was a friend of sinners. It didn't matter where people were from or what they did as an occupation. He reached out to them and showed them His love. Jesus Himself made it very clear when He said, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are my friends if you do whatever I command you." John 15:13, 14 The question I have for you is, "are you laying your life down for others, or better yet, are you laying your life down for the Savior?" Jesus demonstrated His love for us by laying down His life for us and going to the cross!