God in Sandals: Friendship

Series: God in Sandals
by Betty Blake Churchill, July 1, 2007

Today Betty Blake give us some pictures of good friendships, with other people here, and also with Jesus. So, the questions today will focus both on having and being a friend in the world and spiritually.

1. Betty Blake started by talking about a widespread “measure” of friendship: being a bridesmaids or groomsmen. So, just to have a little fun, let’s start there: Have you ever had a really special or amusing or irritating bridesmaid or groomsman episode? Take about 5 minutes for one or two people who have had a personal significant story about wedding roles, clothes, bridzillas, or wedding heroics (or something else….) to tell the story. (5 minutes)

2. Now, let’s turn to what friendship looks like in more “normal” circumstances. Think of someone that you put high on your “friend” list. What about them makes you want to call them “friend”? Write down any words that come to mind, and then, in the group, brainstorm and try to come up with as many features of friendship as you can. (10 minutes)

3. Now, what about Jesus? What do you think of the idea of Jesus being a “friend” to us? Does this seem realistic? Why or why not? Spend some time discussing the concept of friendship with Jesus. (5-10 minutes)

4. Now, lets get specific. Going back to your list of the features of a friend, take each one (or some of the most key if you have a long list) and think about what you know about Jesus. Can you think of examples of the way He has already demonstrated each characteristic of friendship for us– either during His time in the flesh on earth – or in your own life? (15 minutes)

5. Next, we’ll turn the tables: Betty Blake says God is all about having a relationship with us (amazingly!). Is “Friend” one of the term that you would use for your relationship with Jesus? Since he is God and we’re not, there are surely some gaps on our side of the friendship equation. But spend some time talking about the ways in which you ARE a “friend” to Jesus, and ways you are not. (Use your list of “friend” features, if that helps – AND maybe you want to work in pairs on this one if you have a large group.) (10 minutes)

6. We’ll end with some personal reflection: During the discussion, was there some aspect of the idea of “friendship” with Jesus that you felt God touch your heart about? Maybe something you wanted to experience but haven’t? Or maybe there is some feature of friendship that you’d like to know more? Or perhaps a way you want to more of a friend to Jesus? Take 2-3 personal minutes to pray and think. If there is something about your friend Jesus that you want to reflect on more, write that down AND also write down a 15 minutes time block in the coming week when you will come back to these notes to study, think, and/or pray.

Bible verses from the message:

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death--and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion.
Philippians 2: 5-8

This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father.
John 15: 12 – 17

The person who knows my commandments and keeps them, that's who loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and make myself plain to him.
John 14:21

If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care--then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself…
Philippians 2: 1-5


Other relevant Bible verses:

A friend loves at all times.
Proverbs 17:17a

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, b ut an enemy multiplies kisses.
Proverb s 27:6

The Lord would speak to Moses face to face as a man speaks with his friend.
Exodus 33: 11a

"Abraham... was called God's friend."
James 2:23b


Related Next-Step Resources:

• The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancy (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Jesus the One and Only by Beth Moore (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Experiencing the Heart of Jesus by Max Lucado (available at Gateway Bookstore)
  

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