A Friend Like Jesus: Love That Stands the Test

God’s Promise:

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13 (ESV)

A Friend That Never Fails

Friendship is one of the greatest gifts we can experience. A true friend walks with you through the highs and lows, stands beside you in struggles, and rejoices with you in victories. But not every friend stays the course. Some disappear when times get hard, while others betray when you least expect it.

I learned this lesson the hard way.

For years, I had two friends—men I trusted, men I prayed with, men I believed were walking the same path of faith. One was a minister who worked for me, and the other was a businessman I thought was strong in the faith. For five years, we stood shoulder to shoulder in business and in serving others. I believed they were men of integrity, brothers in Christ.

Then, in July 2019, a single phone call shattered everything.

These two men—my so-called friends—had conspired behind my back to steal my business. And just like that, it was gone. Years of hard work, trust, and shared faith crumbled in an instant. The betrayal hit hard, not just because of the financial loss, but because I had considered them my brothers.

Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? Have you ever trusted someone, only to have them turn on you? It’s a pain that cuts deep. And it makes you ask the question: What is a true friend?

The Friend Who Lays Down His Life

Jesus answers that question in John 15:13—“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Jesus wasn’t just talking about casual friendship. He was describing a love that costs something. A friend, in the way that Christ defines it, is someone who is willing to sacrifice for the good of another. It’s not about convenience. It’s not about mutual benefit. It’s about selflessness.

If we are honest, we often measure friendships by what we get out of them. Does this person encourage me? Do they make my life better? Are they fun to be around? But Jesus flips that thinking on its head. A true friend isn’t measured by what they give us, but by how they love us—even when it costs them something.

Jesus didn’t just talk about sacrificial friendship—He lived it. He knew His disciples would betray, deny, and abandon Him, yet He still chose to lay down His life for them. And for us.

Friendship Through the Eyes of an Intentional Shepherd

As shepherds of our families, we are called to be this kind of friend—especially to our wives, children, and those God has placed under our care. It’s easy to be present when life is good, but what about when your family needs you in the trenches? When your wife is struggling emotionally? When your child is wrestling with their faith? When a friend disappoints you?

The Intentional Shepherd doesn’t abandon when things get tough. He doesn’t put conditions on love. He stands firm, serves, and sacrifices—not because it’s easy, but because Jesus did it first.

This is the kind of friend we are called to be. And this is the kind of friend Jesus is to us—one who never leaves, never betrays, and never stops loving.

Shepherding in Action: Today’s Value

Loyalty – A shepherd leader remains faithful in relationships, leading with unwavering commitment to those he loves, even when tested by trials.

Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever been deeply hurt by a friend? How did it impact your trust in relationships?
2. In what ways can you reflect the sacrificial friendship of Jesus within your family?
3. How can you demonstrate loyalty and selfless love to those around you today?

Bible References

• John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
• Proverbs 18:24 – “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”

A Man of the Shepherd’s Prayer

Father, thank You for being the Friend who never fails. Help me to love and serve those around me with the same sacrificial heart that Jesus showed. Teach me to be loyal, steadfast, and full of grace, even when it costs me something. Amen.

My Personal Journey:

These weekday reflections flow from my time in God’s Word. I invite you to join me and other Men of the Shepherd in building Christ-centered homes—leading, discipling, and serving like Jesus. If these reflections encourage you, please like, share, and pass them on so more men can grow in their calling.

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