Do we relate to Jesus primarily as his Mates or his Minions?
To put it another way, do you mainly approach Jesus as his friend or as his servant?
Jesus chose disciples ‘that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach’ (Mark 3.14)
It is great that Jesus wants friendship with us! He calls his followers to be with him and to have a friendship with him.
It is a privilege to be servants of Jesus! He calls his followers to take part in his work bringing salvation, hope and restoration to humanity.
Although we should come to Jesus as both servants and friends, it is possible that some of us may be lopsided Christians!
If we come to Jesus just as friends then we could mistakenly think we are his equals and that we can do anything we want. Jesus is the eternal and almighty God and although he calls us friends this doesn’t change who he is.
If we come to Jesus just as servants then we may never grasp how total and complete that his love and acceptance is for us. A servant who falls short of their master’s expectations may expect punishment or disapproval but Jesus treats us with grace and mercy.
So, do we relate to Jesus primarily as his Mates or his Minions?
If it is one or the other, how are we going to get the balance right so that we can discover more fully what being Jesus’ disciple means?
Jesus is my friend and he loves me but he is also my Lord and I serve him.
Honest about my faith 