Teaching Notes

Do You Have Any Friends?

Luke 5:18 (The Message)

Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn't find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus. Impressed by their bold belief, he said, "Friend, I forgive your sins."

Note: Some men were so concerned about their friend they took him to Jesus to have him healed.  They did not let the crowded room stop them.  They took the very roof off and lowered him down to Jesus.
 
Question: What was Jesus response when he saw this love of the friends for their sick friend?
 
Answer: He then calls the man his friend and he heals him.  Did you know that sometimes when we love someone so much and we take them to Jesus when they are not able to get there themselves, Jesus accepts our care and will call our friend his friend also?  He will call them friend and give to them that which we are seeking.  If he will do that because of the love of a friend, how much more will he do it for us, since he calls us his friend.  What a wonderful blessing to be called a friend of Jesus. Do you have any friends?  If you have only one friend, that friend should be Jesus.  This is the friend that can help you in difficulties, in dispair and when you are feeling alone.  This is a true friend and one worth having.
 
Prayer: Lord, we thank you for calling us your friend.  We are thankful to you that you not only love us, but you love those we love.  If we come to you with our concerns for our friends, you will hear us.  Today I pray for myself that I become a better friend like you where you are concerned about the well-being of others.  I also pray for a close friend of mine.  One that I ask you to help them become all that you want them to be in you.  Today the gift I share with them is my love and concern for their well-being.  So help us to be what you want us to be.