Chapter 33
Good Monday Morning to this week 33 of 2022
I recently saw a meme that said :
Jesus’s real miracle was having 12 close friends in his mid 30’s.
The structure of Jesus Christ’ relationships with the twelve apostles presents us with an interesting model for our friendships as well. His relationship with these twelve “ordinary men” transformed these fisherman, tax collectors, and political zealots into men who changed the course of the world.
In his book, Making Friends, Making Disciples, author Lee B. Spitzer provides us with an interesting visual for placing people in our friendship circles, along with these definitions:
Best Friends: the 2 or 3 dearest loved ones.
Special Friends: the 3–5 closest friends outside the center circle.
Social Friends: the 7–12 people one spends a great deal of time with.
Casual Friends: the 50–200 people one knows by name and might socialize or work with (acquaintances).
Outside the Circles: Non-friends and enemies.
According to Jeff Atchison, Jesus showed us the importance of narrowing in on a smaller ‘inner circle for the highest degree of intimate training.” This “inner circle” consisted only of Peter, James and John, the three who witnessed some major events that the other disciples did not.
The raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead. The Transfiguration of Christ on the Mount
Christ’s travail in prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane
Michael Hyatt, states in The Leadership Strategy of Jesus, that Jesus took His inner circle on special outings, allowed them to witness his greatest glory, and even His deepest temptations. Jesus prayed with His inner circle and taught them things He did not teach the others. Jesus even introduced the three to His heavenly family. Hyatt concludes the three were Jesus’ closest friends and confidants.
Sounds like a great model for your God Buddies!
Do you have a few close confidants — your “inner circle” per se, that you can trust with your deepest thoughts?
Wishing a good start to this new week.
Philemon