The Greatest Kind of Friend, the Way Jesus Loves

Hey, carpool crew, I'm Pastor Justin. I'm so glad you're here. Today's episode is about friendship, but not the kind of friend that's only around for birthday cake and video games. We're talking about the greatest kind of friend, the kind of friend that Jesus was, and the kind of friend he calls us to be. Our verse today is from John chapter 15, verse 13, and here's what it says. No one has greater love than this, to lay down his life for his friends. Jesus spoke those words just before he went to the cross. He was with his closest friends, the disciples, sharing his final teaching. He had washed their feet, talked about love and serving others. Then he dropped this powerful truth. If you want to know what real love looks like, this is it, laying down your life for your friends. He wasn't just talking about dying for them, though that's exactly what he was about to do. He was also talking about living for them, serving, sacrificing, and loving them no matter what. This is Jesus's definition of friendship, not popularity, not always agreeing, but loving enough to give something up for someone else. If Jesus was riding in the backseat with you today, I think he'd look right at you and say, you don't have to be perfect to be my friend. I already chose you, and I showed you how to love by giving everything for you. Jesus isn't a part-time friend. He's not just around when things are easy or fun. He sticks by us through the hardest parts of life, and he calls you to love your friends with the same kind of selfless, strong, fearless love. So what does laying your life down look like for a kid? Well, give up the spotlight. Let someone else go first, take the biggest piece, or win the game. It's okay to give up the spotlight. Stand up for your friends, even when others don't. Loyalty matters more than fitting in. Include others too, especially when it's not easy or convenient. And forgive quickly. Jesus loved you enough to forgive you completely, so you can offer that same grace to your friends. Friendship isn't about what you can get, it's about how much you're willing to give, just like Jesus did. And Jesus is the greatest friend you'll ever have, the one who gave everything to be close to you. So be a friend like Jesus to someone who needs it, or to the friends you have all around you right now. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Before you go, answer this question together. What's one way you can be the kind of friend Jesus describes, someone who gives, loves, and puts others first? I'll see you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus.