1. In these verses, Jesus mentioned the word "friends" 3 times. a. Jesus showed His apostles that He was their friend. b. He also told them how they could be His friends. 2. In our lesson we are looking at 2 people who had "friendship with Jesus." 3. Let us appreciate how special having "friendship with Jesus" is.
Discussion:
I. IN JOHN 8:1-11 WE READ ABOUT THE LORD'S FRIENDSHIP WITH A SINFUL WOMAN
A. On this occasion, Jesus was being "tempted" [tried]. 1. A woman caught in the act of adultery was brought to Him. 2. Her accusers told Jesus what the Law of Moses said. 3. They were using this woman to find something to use against the Lord. a. At that time, the Romans controlled Palestine, but they allowed the Jews to have a certain amount of freedom to govern themselves. b. However, the Jews were not allowed to administer capital punishment. c. If Jesus said that the woman was to be: 1) stoned, then He would be in trouble with the Roman officials 2) released, then He would be violating the law of Moses. B. These men were not really interested in doing God's will. 1. According to Leviticus 20:10, both parties were to be put to death. 2. They did not bring the man -- they only brought the woman. C. Let us consider this woman's predicament. 1. She was a sinner -- she deserved to die. 2. Her accusers were hostile to her -- they were willing for her to be put to death so they could accuse Jesus. 3. We can safely say that this woman desperately needed a friend. D. Jesus became her best friend. 1. Although this was a touchy situation, Jesus did not leave her, and He had empathy for her. 2. Jesus: a. stood up for her by answering her accusers b. let her know that He was not going to condemn her c. told her, "go, and sin no more." E. These events show us that Jesus is a sinner's best friend. 1. His mission is not to condemn -- His mission is to save. 2. He still calls upon sinners to turn from sin and live godly lives [He came to call "sinners to repentance" -- Mark 2:17].
II. IN 2 TIMOTHY 4:16-18 WE READ ABOUT THE LORD'S FRIENDSHIP WITH ONE OF HIS FOLLOWERS
A. Paul was in Rome making a defense for charges brought against him. B. At his first defense no friend stood with him -- everyone had forsaken him. C. However, there was One who stood with him. D. Not only did the Lord stand with him, but He also gave Paul the strength that he needed during this difficult time. 1. Jesus knew how Paul felt because all of His followers had forsaken Him when He was arrested (Matthew 26:56). 2. The Lord did not leave Paul -- He was with him until the end. E. The Lord: 1. knows how we feel during times of difficulty (Hebrews 4:15) 2. is true -- He will not leave us (Hebrews 13:5b; Proverbs 17:17a; 18:24b) 3. does not want us to leave Him (Revelation 2:10).
Conclusion:
1. We have shown that Jesus is a special friend to sinners and His followers. 2. He has shown us how much He loves us (John 15:13). 3. He tells us how we can be His friends (John 15:14). 4. Are you a friend of Jesus?
