Jesus is my friend. I have said this so many times. There is nothing wrong with seeing Jesus as a friend. This is how I was taught to see Him when I pray. It made him approachable, trustworthy, safe. This was how I first connected with Jesus, but now it feels lacking. It was a good place to start, but not where I want to stay.

In church we were asked to respond to the question, “Who do you say that I am” referring to Jesus. Friend was one of the responses that popped up. This time it struck a chord. It felt limiting, inadequate. Friends can disappoint. Friends can grow distant. Friends can hurt me.

So, I started to dig into who Jesus is to me. I reflected on what He has done in my life as forgiver, healer, reconciler and restorer.

Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35 NIV.

 “…She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God with us.’” Is. 7:14 NIV.

 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”  John 8:36 NIV.

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10 NIV.

“And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth.” Job 19:25 NIV.

 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”  John 8:36 NIV.

There are many more scriptures that describe Jesus and show us who He is. Simply stating that He is my friend has become too limiting. It doesn’t begin to grasp the profound transformation my life has seen because of Him. Trust, vulnerability, safety have all taken on a new meaning. They actually exist in my life.

Taking a few moments this advent season to reflect on who Jesus is to me has filled me with gratitude. Try it. See what happens in your heart. What he has done for me is available to all.

Who is Jesus to you? Do you call Him my friend? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.