October 25, 2026 • Pastor Steve
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Jesus calls his imperfect disciples—and us—friends, and that friendship transforms how we see ourselves and how we love the people around us.
Called Friends: Loved, Chosen, and Sent
In this message from John 15, we explore what it means that Jesus doesn't call us servants or strangers, but friends. That word carries enormous weight, especially when we remember who he was speaking to—people who would deny him, doubt him, and run from him. Yet Jesus looks at these messy, imperfect people and says, "I have chosen you." That same invitation is extended to every one of us today, not because we have it all together, but because that is simply the nature of his love.
Friendship with Jesus is not meant to be a private comfort we keep to ourselves. It reshapes the way we treat every person we encounter—refusing to reduce people to stereotypes, choosing curiosity over fear, and widening the circle rather than drawing it tighter. Whether it's learning someone's name, sharing a meal, or simply showing up, these acts of love are how we live out what Jesus commanded: love one another. When we do, the church becomes less of a club and more of the family it was always meant to be.
- Jesus calls you friend—not because you're perfect, but because he chose you just as you are.
- Friendship with Jesus changes how we see others, pushing us past fear and toward genuine, self-giving love.
- Living as friends of Jesus means widening the circle—learning names, hearing stories, and welcoming the people around us.