Jesus: The Friend That Sticketh Closer Than a Brother
Jesus: The Friend That Sticketh Closer Than a Brother
A Friend Closer Than a Brother
The Bible speaks of a unique and faithful friend in Proverbs 18:24:
"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."
For a born-again believer, this verse finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not just a historical figure or a distant deity but a personal, ever-present friend who never leaves those who belong to Him.
Jesus Calls His Disciples Friends
In John 15:15, Jesus made a profound statement to His disciples:
"Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."
Unlike a servant who follows orders without understanding his master's intentions, Jesus revealed the heart of the Father to His followers. He does not merely command; He walks with believers in a relationship of love and trust, making them His friends.
The Faithfulness of Christ
Even when believers struggle, Jesus remains faithful. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:13:
"If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself."
Jesus' love and commitment to His own are not dependent on human faithfulness. He remains true because it is in His very nature to do so. His friendship is unbreakable, His presence unshakable.
Jesus Is Never Alone, Nor Is the Believer
The Pharisees challenged Jesus’ authority in John 8:13-18, arguing that He bore witness of Himself without another to confirm His testimony. According to the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 19:15), two or three witnesses were required to establish a matter. But Jesus responded:
"I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me." (John 8:16)
Just as Jesus was not alone because the Father was with Him, a born-again believer is never alone because Christ dwells in them. Jesus promised His presence in Matthew 28:20:
"Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Furthermore, in John 14:16-17, Jesus assured that the Holy Ghost would abide in believers forever:
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."
The Indwelling Friend
Unlike earthly friendships that may fade, the presence of Jesus inside the believer is eternal. He does not just walk alongside His people—He lives in them. A believer does not need a second witness to affirm Christ’s presence because Jesus Himself is the ever-present witness, the Friend who will never leave nor forsake.
Conclusion
Jesus is the friend that sticketh closer than a brother. He calls His people friends, remains faithful even when they are weak, and dwells within them, ensuring they are never alone. Just as the Father was with Jesus, Jesus is with every born-again believer through the Holy Ghost. Those who have received Him can rest in the assurance that no matter what happens, they are never alone.