I love this ANZAC photo of Clarence Simpson Elliott carrying a wounded man to a medical aid post.
You cannot hear the machine guns or explosions as he runs, but you can see the open country, his saddled rifle – he was very vulnerable as he carried his friend to safety.
What was he thinking? Was he waiting for that shot in the back? Was he wanting to put down his burden and leave it behind? Was he wondering, ‘Will I make it?’ He made it in the end.
This photo reminds me of sacrifice and remaining faithful even when faithfulness hurts. It also reminds me of friendship. Jesus had something to say on this subject of friendship.
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15
Jesus is so right. When your life is in danger, real friends step into your danger. When you cannot help yourself and someone takes a risk for you – that is a friend. When you are in need and someone meets your needs at their expense – that is friendship.
Hours after teaching this, Jesus would demonstrate this by dying on the cross.
Jesus saw the cross as a place where he would be punished for the evil of others – Gods judgment of us would fall on him. Having demonstrated his love, Jesus awaits our response - Be my friend and follow me, do things my way, let me direct your life to a better place.
What do we do with this? War is ugly as people lose their humanity. War can be overseas, at home, or even in the classroom. Sometimes you will have an opportunity to be that good mate – take it! Helping others costs – don’t be selfish but be that good friend. Maybe there will be a time when you need help – don’t be proud let someone friend you.
Most of all, I would like to encourage to take Jesus up on his offer of friendship. Be his friend by obeying him and he will not only forgive your sins but he we will also take you to a better place.