Jesus as Our Friend

I want to invite you to open your bibles with me to Matthew chapter 17. All month long we've been diving into this series called "Defining the Relationship," where we're looking at how people saw Jesus, like really saw him. And if you've been with us, you might have noticed we keep coming back to this one amazing story - the transfiguration of Jesus. It's perfect for what we're doing because here's what happens: Jesus takes a few of his closest friends up a mountain, and right there in front of them, he just... changes. It's like they're seeing the real Jesus for the first time. And since we're spending all of 2025 trying to see Jesus more clearly - what we're calling our 2025 vision - this story is exactly where we need to be. We've already uncovered some pretty cool things about Jesus in this story. A couple weeks ago, we talked about how God calls him his Son - that's huge, right? Jesus asked the disciples to define the relationship and Peter defined it. You are the Messiah, the son of God. The the Father confirmed it.. This is my son… Then last week we dug into those words "whom I love." Get this - Jesus isn't just God's Son, he's God's BELOVED Son. And we saw how Jesus both receives and gives this incredible, life-changing love of God. And because Christ is in us, we can receive and give this same love. Now, this is important because what we looked at last week on love goes right into this weeks message. This week… We're going to see something else - we're going to see Jesus as our Friend. Not just any friend, but the kind who speaks life into us, who wants the absolute best for us, and who believes in us even when we don't believe in ourselves.

But before we jump into what happens in Matthew 17, I need to tell you about something that happened to me in third grade. This is the story about…. The playground king. You know that school bully everybody seems to have a story about? Well, this was mine. It was a beautiful day at ShadyBrook Elementary, everyone was out at recess, and for whatever reason - I still don't know why - this kid and his little gang decided I was going to be their target that day. Now, if you grew up in the 80s, you know playground equipment back then was... let's say... interesting. Like, those metal slides on a hot summer day? Yeah, you weren't sliding down those things - you were leaving a layer of skin behind! Am I right? Kids these days and their safety slides. We went from 0 to 100 and left two skin marks as our clothes were burned off and our butt cheaks slid down the slide. We had these turtle-shaped climbing dome things with little triangles all over them. So there I am, getting chased by this kid and his friends, and I've got two choices - get caught and pounded, or surrender and... still get pounded. Great options, right? So I'm running, and I make it to the top of this turtle thing. They're jumping up, trying to grab my legs - I'm kicking, they're climbing, I'm shoving them back down, and then... WHAM! I turn left, and this fist just comes out of nowhere, right into my nose. Yeah, it broke. Blood everywhere. And yeah, I definitely cried. And… its still a little bit crooked today.. Life can be hard sometimes, can't it? Amen? You know what's crazy? Sometimes we don't even know who our real friends are. When you're a kid, it's simple - you just know who you want to hang out with and who you want to avoid. But now that we're adults, we get it. Some people just drain you, make you feel small, make you want to hide. And others? They light you up. They make you feel like you can do anything. Some folks just want to use you to feel better about themselves, while others genuinely want to see you succeed because they care about you. Keep that in mind as we dive into Matthew 17. Because what we're about to see? It's going to change how we think see Jesus as our friend… Turn with me to Matthew 17:1-7. 1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” So right there, God the Father just confirmed and defined the relationship. What was the response? 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. I want to stop right there for a minute. Let that image sink in - these guys are face down on the ground, terrified. You know that feeling, right? That overwhelming moment when all you can do is hit the deck? That's where we find these guys. The Bible says they were terrified. Theres fear. And in their fear they cower. It’s a posture we know all to well - When we are scared, we tense up. Its our body’s way of preparing us for what we think might happen… which is usually we’re thinking, I'm going to be harmed in some way. If there was ever a moment for Jesus to be the playground king, it would be in this moment. This was a moment where Jesus could have put his foot on the back of the disciples and say, I’m king. Im the guy. I am the one God says is his son. But he doesn't do that. Not even close. And what he does instead? It changed these guys forever. You know how I know? Because these same guys who are eating dirt right now? They don't stay there. Take John, for instance. This same John, nicknamed one of the sons of thunder - the one who's currently face-down and shaking in his sandals - years later would write something incredible. Listen to what he writes, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” Did you catch that? The opposite of fear isn't courage - it's love. And that... that changes everything about how we see what God the Father says on this mountain: "This is my beloved Son, whom I love." Think about how that plays into Jesus going to the cross. That was a moment where, honestly, the human side of Jesus should have been shaking in his sandals too. But if there was ever a moment where we see John's words in action - that there is no fear in love - it's right there. Jesus faces the cross not because he's the bravest person who ever lived, it wasn’t courage that drove him to the cross, it was love….. The opposite of fear is love. There are so many expressions of fear… ...Afraid to talk to the girl, or that guy…. What about investing in the new venture. Alicia and our family had every right to be fearful of mombivng 1500 miles, but it was love that drew us here to apply for this adventure. How about the fear of having to kill the spider. Its amazes me… the spider does nothing to me. Doesn’t show aggression like a dog or cat can, isn’t the biggest, but yet, it paralyzes us in fear. And then theres the fear of heights. DO You know what I realized about fear? When you really dig down to the core of it - when you get past all the surface stuff - fear is really just us trying to protect ourselves. Thats it! Thats at the center of our fear.. our own self preservation. And I think about this in my life, and I wonder, if fear just only drives my natural desire to be comfortable, and to never step out by faith, or to never give myself wholly to someone else, whether it be to my wife, or to my kids or to the mission God has on my life,… or even bigger yet, if fear never lets me give my whole self to Jesus.. how will I evert be made into the image of Christ, to be holy as he is holy, and to love others as myself. I can't love Him and others, while only thinking of my own self. Fear causes us to turn from one another, but love Turns us towards one another, and makes us one. Its a real issue church….. We’re afraid of getting hurt. Afraid of failing. Afraid of looking foolish. I mean, who here hasn't stayed quiet in a meeting because you were afraid your idea might sound dumb? But here's what's fascinating. John - you know, who wrote about perfect love driving out fear? He wasn't just writing some nice quote for a a t-shirt.… This guy lived it. He experienced it first hand with Jesus. Picture this: We find him face-down on this mountain, literally shaking in his sandals. He's terrified. But then... then he watches something unfold that changes everything. He watches Jesus - the son of God, the beloved Son and what does Jesus do with all that power? He comes close and he touches them… Its true… look with me in the last verse… in verse 7, But Jesus came and touched them. 'Get up,' he said. 'Don't be afraid.’ See what the word says? 'Jesus came.' He didn't stand at a distance. He didn't send an angel. He didn't shout instructions from afar. Real friendship closes the gap. Now, that might not sound revolutionary to you, but think about what He didn't do: He didn't stand at a safe distance He didn't send an angel with a message He didn't shout 'Hey guys, get it together!' from across the mountain

You know what He did? He closed the gap. Because that's what real friendship does - it closes the gap. And watch this - Jesus shows us four things about what real friendship looks like. This is beautiful… First, He Initiates. He takes the first step. When we're face down in fear, He moves toward us. He doesn't wait for us to get our act together first. Its the same with our lives, before you knew of Jesus, He knew you. We call that in the theological world, prevenient Grace. Which means, before you pursued God, he had already been pushing you first. Second, He Identifies. He gets down on our level. The God of the universe... comes to where we are. That's incredible! It began for us at the birth, that God the father would send his son, for unto us a son is born. There was a time, when I was a young adult, around 19 or 20 years old, and I had a panic attack. Life was overwhelming me. Its true.. I'm human. I have struggles and real needs too overcome in my life just like anyone else. And my best find Ryan couldn’t get ahold of me so he shows up at my house and he finds me underneath the computer desk. He notices that I'm not ok, so he gets on his knees, and he tries to shimmy in with me under the desk and he goes, man, I'm here for you, I’m here to listen whats going on. He identified something was wrong and he got down on my level. Thirdly, Jesus invests. He touches them. Right there in their fear. In their mess. In their uncertainty. He makes physical contact. Sometimes jut a simple touch can remind us that were alive and this is real and were not alone in our struggles. And finally - this is my favorite part - He Transforms. He doesn't just help them up and leave them the same. No, when Jesus touches your life, everything changes.

And here's what gets me - He's still doing all four of these things today. Still initiating. Still identifying. Still investing. Still transforming lives… and its all through the power of love and friendship. Because, Real friendship closes the gap.

Now, watch what happens next. Because it's not just what Jesus does - it's what He says. You know how some words just…well, they just sit there? Like when someone says 'cheer up' or 'don't worry.' Not exactly life-changing, right? And look, I get it. Sometimes we just don't know what to say when someone's hurting. We throw words out there, hoping something will stick, hoping something will help. We've all been there. But when Jesus speaks… look at what he says, 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” Now, this is where it gets interesting. When Jesus speaks to these terrified disciples, He uses a word that's absolutely packed with power. In the original language, it's ‘Egiero.' This isn't just any word. This is a resurrection word. A life-giving word. Watch this: A few verses later, when they're coming down the mountain, Jesus uses this same word when he says, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the son of man has been raised from the dead” It’s also the same word He uses a chapter earlier when he said that the son of man will be raised to life after three days. And in Matthew 9? There's this powerful scene where Jesus is standing over a little girl who had died. Everyone's laughing at Him when He says she's just sleeping. But Jesus sends them all away, looks at this dead little girl, and speaks this same word: 'Egiero' - get up.”

You see, when Jesus speaks into your life, He's not just offering empty words or cheap encouragement. He's speaking with resurrection power. Like, I'm so passionate about this... and at the same time, so burdened... because we don't make much of our salvation anymore. And maybe... I don't know this isn’t condemnaiotn or judegemnt, just a burned heart trying to think it through…… maybe we don't see spiritual life explode in our lives and in the church because we've forgotten or made very little of our salvation. You know, in the New Testament, when you see Peter full of the Holy Spirit, it says he preaches with power. And what was the message? He preached... very simple… he preached, repentance. That’s it… Not, if yore saved you’ll prophecy. If your saved you’ll heal… not if your saved, you can walk on water… He made much of Jesus and the call for salvation through repentance. And im not saying you wont be called to preach, or anything else… im just saying, why not everyday make much of Jesus and the day you became alive in him. Celebrate it everyday. There's life in salvation... there's life in our salvation, in the salvation of others. And it begins when people are honest with where they are in their hearts. I went to men's retreat last weekend, and the first night... all I'll say is this - men were honest. I can't tell you what they were honest about, because what happens at men's retreat stays at men's retreat... but that first night, honesty came pouring out. And I told Kent... my heart is hurting right now... Because without repenting, confession is no more than boasting of our sin. So I prayed and prayed, and then the last night? The altar was filled with men repenting and giving their lives over to Christ. I got a message on Sunday morning that more men had come to the altar at their home church to receive Christ. There was an afterglow of salvation pouring into churches.. and that afterglow also pours into our church when Kent testified last Sunday. Here's what it comes down to: The words of Jesus have resurrection power. The question is - are we listening, and are we responding?

But there's one more thing we need to see here. Because Jesus doesn't just come close, and He doesn't just speak life - He does something even more remarkable. Henri Nouwen, is one of my favorite writers, and he helps us understand what's next.. … Henri writes: “The biggest trap we face isn't failing at life - it's believing we're not worth loving in the first place.” Let’s pause and thin about that for a moment.. Our biggest problem isn't that we mess up sometimes. It's not that we fall short. It's not even that we're afraid. Our biggest problem is that somewhere along the way, we started believing a lie. A lie that says we're not worth loving. Not worth pursuing. Not worth coming close to. You know, I've seen this play out for years. Remember that playground bully I told you about earlier? The one who wanted everyone to bow down or get punched? He wanted control. He wanted power. He wanted to dominate. But here's what I learned later - and what I'm still learning: behind that need for control was a deep hurt. A wound that hadn't healed. Years later, just after graduation, I heard that he had taken his own life. And it taught me something I'll never forget - we're all fighting battles others can't see. We're all trying to win and control something in our life. These disciples are face down in fear, probably feeling completely unworthy to even be there. And what does Jesus do? He does exactly what Nouwen talks about. He doesn't just address their fear - He addresses their worth. See, when Jesus comes close to someone who doesn't feel worthy of being close to... \When He touches someone who feels untouchable... When He speaks life to someone who feels dead inside… He's not just helping them up - He's rewriting their story. He's saying, 'You're worth more than your fear tells you.’

Because here's what I've learned: Nobody acts out of power unless they're acting out of pain. & Nobody pushes others down unless they feel down themselves. But Jesus? He doesn't come to push us down. He doesn't come to remind us of our unworthiness. He comes to lift us up. To speak worth into our worthlessness. To bring love into our fear. And to transform and resurrect our lives through his love. As Peter comes up… \\

Right now, some of you are face down this morning - maybe not physically, but in your hearts. You're believing the lie that you're not worth loving, not worth pursuing, not worth saving. As I look out at our church family this morning, I see two kinds of people… First, there are those of you who are face down in fear right now. Maybe it's not physical - but emotionally, spiritually, you're flat on your face Maybe you're paralyzed by something - a failure, a relationship, a mistake Maybe you just can't seem to get up on your own And I want you to hear this: Jesus wants to come close to you today. Just like He did on that mountain, He wants to touch you and speak life into whatever has you face down. But there's a second group here today. Those of you who God is calling to be Jesus to others. You know someone who's living in fear Someone who's face down and can't get up Someone who needs to know they're worth loving But here's what we all need to hear this morning...You can't pour out what you haven't first received. If you're pushing Jesus away from yourself, how can He work through you to reach others?" So here's what I want to challenge us with this week If you're face down - Take one step toward friendship with Jesus Start each morning with 5 minutes in His Word Write down one fear and pray specifically about it Reach out to someone and share your struggle If you're called to help others - Start with your own cup Evaluate your own relationship with Jesus Ask Him to fill you up before you pour out Look for one person this week who needs to know they're worth loving Because here's the bottom line: You have a friend in Jesus. A friend who doesn't demand your fear - He desires your friendship. A friend who doesn't push you down - He lifts you up. A friend whose perfect love drives out every fear. And He's still coming close today. Still speaking life. Still transforming lives through friendship. The question is: Will you let Him be that kind of friend to you this week? And will you be that kind of friend to others? Lets pray… As we go from here today, may you know the peace of having Jesus as your friend. May you experience His perfect love that drives out all fear. And may you walk in the confidence of knowing that whenever you're face down, He's the friend who comes close, speaks life, and lifts you up. Go in the peace and friendship of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen." *