A Friend in Jesus

| Sermon Summary by PKD Lee |

1 Samuel 20

1 Samuel 20:4 So Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you yourself desire, I will do it for you.”

Jonathan is an excellent example of a friend, in the Bible. When David was a relatively unknown figure, he saw a potential in him when David fought Goliath (1 Sam 17). Jonathan at this time was a successful warrior who had proven himself in battle. David did not know how to use armour or the normal equipment for battle. So, Jonathan befriends him and equips him with the equipment required to be a warrior 1 Sam 18:3-4.

Though the Bible does not say so, Jonathan probably also taught David on the use of these equipment. In the process David became a skilled warrior thanks to the investment made by Jonathan. Saul was quite happy with David the warrior (1 Sam 18:5), till people began praising David above Saul (1 Sam 18:6 -8).

Then jealousy crept in, and he became David’s enemy. Saul also realized that with David there, Jonathan may not become king as the people would want David (1 Sam 20:31). So, he desires to eliminate David so that his dynasty could continue. Saul tries to obtain Jonathan’s support for his plans, but Jonathan opposes him and tells him that he is wrong in what he is doing. Saul warns him that if David is not killed, Jonathan would not become king on Saul’s death. Jonathan says that he is quite happy not to be king, as he is loyal to David. What do we learn from this?

Our friendship must put the other person and his/her interests above ours. True friendship is sacrificial to our interests. Jesus said "do unto others what you would have them do to you". If you want people to befriend you, you need to befriend them. It is a two-way street.

Jesus gave us an example of this kind of friendship in His sacrifice on the cross, and asked us to follow His example. True friendship does not use people but rather invests and builds people. Jesus invested His Holy Spirit in us so that we could advance the needs of His kingdom. We show our friendship to Jesus by forgetting our interests and seeking the advancement of His kingdom.

In conclusion, do not use Jesus for your purposes, but serve Him for His kingdom, and He will be your friend all through your life.