1 Samuel 20, 23

What a loyal friend Jonathan is to David! My first question when reading about Jonathan is how he turned out so well with a father like Saul. He is the exact opposite of Saul. At some point, Saul must've been a good father, but his jealousy and pride have overtaken his sanity. He tries to murder his own son! Jonathan, even in the face of death, remains a faithful friend and servant. He is a man of his word. We could all use a friend like Jonathan. He is a perfect example of John 15:13- "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." Even though Jonathan doesn't actually die for David, he is willing to. He would do anything for him.

Jonathan, as the eldest son of Saul, would someday be King. But he recognizes that God is with David and that David is God's anointed King of Israel. He's not only willing to give up the throne but he feels personally responsible for making sure that he becomes King. In return for his loyalty and sacrifice, David promises to take care of Jonathan's descendants per Jonathan's request. Wow, Jonathan never ceases to amaze me. He thinks of everyone else but himself. He puts the needs of David and his family above his own. Because of his selflessness, he is a great part of God's plan. God uses his faithfulness to make sure that David becomes King.

Does Jonathan sound familiar? He is so like Jesus. Jesus is the epitome of a perfect friend. He is loyal, faithful, and gave up his life for us, his friends. He put our needs above his own. Through him, we are co-heirs to the Kingdom of God. Reading about Jonathan's and Jesus' humility really puts my selfishness on display. I pray that we would repent of our selfishness, remember their selflessness, and look to their example of how to be a true friend.