April 26, 2026
What A Friend
John 15:13-14 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Few hymns have brought more comfort to troubled hearts than “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Written by Joseph Scriven in 1855 to console his mother in Ireland while he lived in Canada, this beloved hymn reminds us of a profound truth—the Creator of the universe invites us into friendship with Him.
Consider how revolutionary this concept is. In many religious traditions, the divine remains distant and unapproachable. Yet Jesus explicitly told His disciples, “I have called you friends” (John 15:15). The God who spoke galaxies into existence desires not just our worship or obedience, but our friendship.
The hymn’s enduring message speaks to the practical reality of this divine friendship. We can bring everything to God in prayer—our trials, temptations, sorrows, and burdens. Nothing is too small for His attention or too large for His capacity. Unlike human friendships that may falter under the weight of our constant needs, God’s friendship never grows weary.
How often we forfeit this peace! We carry our own burdens, wrestling alone with challenges, attempting to navigate life through self-sufficiency. The hymn gently exposes this unnecessary struggle, pointing to prayer as the channel through which we access our divine Friend.
Friendship with Jesus differs from human relationships. He never misunderstands our intentions, is never too busy to listen, never betrays confidences, and never grows irritated with our failings. His friendship combines perfect knowledge of us with perfect love for us.
This friendship came at immeasurable cost—Jesus laid down His life. The cross stands as eternal evidence of how far divine friendship will go to restore what was broken.
Today’s Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me Your friend. Forgive me for the times I’ve carried my own burdens instead of bringing them to You. Amen.
Reflection Question: In what specific situation do you need to experience Jesus as your friend today?