JOHN 15:13-15
Aristotle said, “When there is a great gap in respect of virtue, or vice, or wealth, or anything else, between the parties, they are no longer friends, and do not even expect to be so.” “And this is most manifest in the case of the gods, for they surpass us decisively in all good things… when one party is removed to a great distance, as God is, the possibility of friendship ceases.”
The day of “Maundy,” the mandate (mandatum), or “the new commandment,” of love, is today. It is a day of great fellowship, and the customary rites of the day—foot washing, oil blessings for the sick, etc.—all serve to reinforce that idea. The day of the banquet, the gathering of friends, is most important because it is when our friend gave of Himself so that we could live in Him and He in us.
Though the earth is disturbed and the mountains shake, we must watch with Him and remain fearless because He has called us His friends (Psalm 46.2).
🙏🏻 Lord Jesus, thank You for being our friend.
Reference:
Robert Crouse, Sermon: Divine Friendship
