What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Angelika Pfaller, Women's Ministries Director, North and South German Unions

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.

Luke 10:38 NIV

Have you ever needed someone to talk to? Somebody to laugh with, relax with, and enjoy being with? Having somebody to whom you can tell everything and know that your words will not be reported to others is a valuable gift.

My friend lives next door. We spend many hours in conversation, laughing and crying. We can trust each other to keep our secrets. That is what I consider friendship.

What about Jesus? Did He have friends? Yes, He did. And some of His best friends were two women, Martha and Mary, and their brother, Lazarus. This friendship was based on mutual affection and sympathy. When Jesus and His disciples visited them, they dished up the best of food. Jesus felt at home in their home. He washed off the dust of the roads, rested from His long journeys, and enjoyed good food and fellowship.

While Martha was occupied with preparing the meal Mary sat down at Jesus‘ feet and listened to Him teach. She disregarded all the customs of the time and left her sister to do the chores alone. What a challenge for Martha to host perhaps 12 or more hungry men. She may have had to get her groceries from the next village and bring them on the back of a donkey. It is understandable that she had no appreciation for Mary’s attitude. But like a dry sponge, Mary sat soaking up every word Jesus spoke. She took advantage of every minute! Jesus was a friend to both sisters, so what did He say to Martha when she asked for Mary’s help? „Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her“ (Luke 10:41, CEV) Jesus understood that time with Him was the most important thing, „what is best.“

Although I have good friends, I know that Jesus is my best friend. I often think of the hymn „What a Friend We Have in Jesus.“ He hears all I say in my prayers and accepts me as I am. He takes my guilt and forgives me. What a friend I have in Jesus! Is He your friend too?

Breathe ©2013 by the General Conference Women’s Ministries Department

Angelika Pfaller, Women's Ministries Director, North and South German Unions