Week 189: You Are a Friend of Jesus

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean that Jesus calls His disciples His friends? As Jesus draws closer to the cross, He gives His disciples some of the most comforting words in all of Scripture. He tells them that they are His friends, reminds them that they did not choose Him first—He chose them—and commands them to love one another. In this episode of The Isaiah 43 Podcast, we explore what it means to be a friend of Jesus. We’ll look at the relationship between obedience and Christ’s love, the incredible truth of God's sovereign grace in choosing His people, and the comfort that comes from knowing our salvation ultimately rests in Christ—not in the strength of our own faithfulness. We’ll also consider what it means to love others because Christ first loved us, including those who are difficult to love and those who are living in sin. If you are struggling, waiting, suffering, or simply wondering whether God truly loves you, I hope this episode reminds you of a beautiful truth: Christ chose you. Christ loves you. And Christ will hold you fast. And if you don't yet know Christ, my prayer is that you would see the beauty of the Savior who came for sinners, laid down His life for His enemies, and brings those who trust in Him near to God. Scripture: John 15:14–17; Romans 5:6–11; Romans 8:28–39; Ephesians 1:4–8; 1 Peter 1:2