Jesus’ Love for His Friends
Originally emailed to Student Ministries families on 2026-02-17. Event dates and schedules below refer to that time.
On Sunday, I taught from John 15:12–15. We heard Jesus call His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, as His friends. As we prepare to leave on Friday for a camp centered on the theme of “friendship,” I thought it would be helpful to explore this stunning and remarkable section of Scripture about the most important and unique friendship we could ever have.
In this passage, Jesus says, “You are my friends if you do what I command.” We considered carefully what that means. Obedience is not the cause of friendship with Jesus, but the evidence of it. Jesus lays down His life for His friends, and those who truly belong to Him increasingly reflect His love in the way they obey and love one another.
You can watch or read that message on the church website here:
This Friday we will be leaving for camp. Please check your email for a message sent yesterday from Melissa entitled, “Winter Camp Information – Please Read Carefully.”
We will not have Student Ministries this Sunday, as we will just be returning from camp in the afternoon. We will gather again as normal the following Sunday, 3/1.
Thank you for the privilege of coming alongside you in the care, discipleship, and evangelism of your students.
Your servant for His glory,
Jacob Hantla