"...But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Prov. 18:24

Background music by Seth Lewis of Christ Bible Church, San Leandro, CA

Jesus is our best friend! He is there for us 24 hours a day and 7 days a week! He never gets tried of us and He never stops praying for us. He always has a listening ear and a heart full of love and sympathy. Like the old hymn says "Jesus! what a Friend for sinners! Jesus! Lover of my soul; Friends may fail me, foes assail me, He, my Savior, makes me whole. Hallelujah! what a Savior! Hallelujah! what a Friend! Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end."

Jesus is a true friend in 10 ways:

1. Jesus prays for you:

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:25)

And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (Luke 22:31-32)

2. Jesus sympathizes with you:

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

3. Jesus is always there for you:

...and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. (Matthew 28:20)

4. Jesus cares for you:

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

5. Jesus encourages you:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

6. Jesus is faithful to you:

If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. (2 Timothy 2:13)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

7. Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you:

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

8. Jesus is always willing to receive you:

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

9. Jesus is always willing to forgive you:

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

10. Jesus has laid down His life for you:

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. (John 15:13-14)

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.