Monday's thoughts

What Do You Say To Your Best Friend?"
Jesus and John Mark

There is on going debate about the relationship Jesus had with his disciples and considerable interest on which of his disciples was his favorite.

Some might have thought it was Peter. Jesus renamed him. Once he was Simon and Jesus called him Peter because the name Peter can be interpreted "rock" and it was "upon his rock he would build his church". Was Peter his best friend?

Some thought could be given to Judas as Jesus best friend. He trusted him to carry their purse. He seemed to rely on him for advice. There continues to be discussion as to nature of Judas' act of betrayal. Did he do what he did in order to further Jesus' ultimate mission in life which was to be crucified and then resurrected from the dead. If Judas was an accomplice then his act of betrayal was he act of a friend doing the most difficult deed in human history for the sake of the most important cause in history.

I think Jesus best friend was John Mark. I think there is enough textual evidence to suggest that and there is much rich material to glean some important insights.

What is the meaning of friendship? How do we speak to our friends? What if we think they are wrong, do we tell them?

Who is your best friend? What are the structures that increase your friendship? What are the patterns of behavior that solidify your relationship and deepen it?

If you have thoughts on this subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have other read your message click on the box below.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Charles Schuster