I asked Jesus, what can I do?

No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:15 (NASB)

If I posture myself as a servant, I think in terms of what I can do for Jesus—some task, some assignment, some mission. As a servant, I gauge my worth by what value I can provide. As a servant, I do not know the big picture—it is not my place. As a servant, I center my focus and concerns upon the tasks assigned to me.

I came to Jesus asking, what can I do?

He asked me, will you be my friend?

I didn’t understand, so I replied, I will do whatever you ask.

He did not reply and there was a long pause. I realized I wasn’t getting it—I didn’t fully comprehend his invitation. He asked me again, Will you be my friend? Will you sit with me and listen to what’s on my heart?

Then it came crashing into my mind. The creator of all things wanted to share what moves him. He wanted me to understand the bigger picture. He was inviting me into his world—not as one to do his bidding, but as one to share his passions, to talk about what moves him, and tell me of conversations he’s had with Father.

Accepting his invitation would change everything. I felt the weight of it, this intimate connection he was asking of me. My thinking, my perceptions, my focus, my world would change.

I felt my desire rise. Yes, to think God’s thoughts, to see as he sees, to focus on what he focuses upon—I want this. 

I want to be your friend, I answered.

He smiled, drew me close and hugged me.