Has God ever provided you with an unexpected friendship at a critical moment in your life?

When we consider David’s life, we discover that Jonathan, son of King Saul, played a critical role. Facing death threats and confusion, God provided David with a true friend. When David needed him most, Jonathan discerned God’s will and sacrificially loved David with a fierce loyalty. In many ways, Jonathan is the ‘hero’ in their friendship.

Their relationship teaches us much about the nature and character of true, God-centered, friendship. It illustrates Proverbs 18:24 – “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” God created a bond between David and Jonathan that couldn’t be destroyed by parental hatred, jealousy, or conflicting destinies.

1. Covenantal Trust (18:1-4)
2. Resolute Loyalty (19:1-7; 20:28-34)
3. Genuine Authenticity (20:41-42)
4. Steady Encouragement (23:15-18)
5. Sacrificial Giving (18:1-4)

Reflection Questions:

1. What kind of friend are you? By God’s grace, how do you hope to become a better friend?
2. Jonathan (like John the Baptist with Jesus) humbly submitted to God’s will in his friendship with David. What lessons can you apply in your friendships from these examples?
3. Where do things stand in your friendship with Jesus? What needs to change?