As we connect all the aspects of friends this month, we will unpack what the ultimate friend looks like by exploring the traits and behaviors modeled by Jesus. If our children are going to understand the value of relationships and how to be the right kind of friend they need to first understand the kind of friend Jesus wants to be in their lives. This idea of friendship isn’t simply about performing and being a good friend. Rather, it is about being the kind of friend that models what kind of friend Jesus could be to all people. Proverbs 17:17 reminds us, "A friend loves at all times. He is there to help when trouble comes." As adults, we know all too well being a friend isn’t always easy work. Sometimes friends can be difficult to love. Sometimes we have to work hard to be friends with others.
It is important for our kids to learn that they they really don’t have the ability to be the right kind of friend merely on their own. Our ability to be the right kind of friend is connected to a God who has not only illustrated what a friend is, but will also give them the power to be the right kind of friend. While there are a lot of stories in the bible that focus on Jesus’ friendship with his disciples and others, this month we are gong to take look at how Jesus showed friendship with his disciples after his resurrection. These stories will be centered around Jesus’ relationship with his disciples after he ascended into heaven. We see the real staying power of friendship--that friendship endures all--when we learn that Jesus left the planet, ascended into heaven and declared, “I will be with you always.” Jesus showed us that he can be a friend to us in a way no one else ever could. Jesus shows us not just a friendship with another human but extends to us a friendship with God! When believers first have friendship with Christ and the Holy Spirit, the level of friendship they have with others is more authentic and meaningful.
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