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I. KNOWS ALL OUR CIRCUMSTANCES AND FEELINGS. Want of knowledge is a great impediment to friendship, and so is want of suitable expression. But Christ knows all, and needs no laboured utterances of ours.

II. HAS MANIFESTED SUPREME AFFECTION. No mother, sister, or lover can compare with Him. His love is neither impulsive, influenced by fancy, variable, selfish, or fastidious.

III. HAS HAD GREAT EXPERIENCE. He has always been in the world making friends. Abraham rejoiced to see His day; Jacob enjoyed His friendship; and He will continue to form new friendships as long as the world stands. Hence He knows how to treat different types of friends.

IV. HAS PASSED THROUGH GREAT AFFLICTIONS. In such a world as this an angel would be an unsuitable friend; there would be no minor key in his feelings, for what has he ever known of sorrow. We want a friend "stricken of God and afflicted." Then we can tell each rising grief, knowing that He has felt it. In all points tempted as we are, and as Captain of our salvation made perfect through suffering, He has been wherever it must be our lot to go.

V. IS CONSTANT. "Having loved His own," etc., He never gave up one friend for another. Those whom He loves once He loves forever. Amid the changes of life, and when we cease to move the affections once felt for us, the Saviour will love us as He did when we were young.

VI. IS KIND.

1. He never reproaches or upbraids. Who has not been subdued by the delicate methods of a true friend? "His gentleness hath made me great."

2. We should have broken the heart of any other friend; but He is long suffering.

VII. IS ALWAYS WITH US. Some of our greatest trials are by separations. We land among strangers, but Christ is at our side.

VIII. CAN DO FOR US WHAT NO OTHER FRIEND CAN.

1. When the wisdom of friends fail He is the Wonderful, Counsellor.

2. When our friends are dead He abides.

3. When friends are impotent, as at the hour of death and in the day of judgment, He is the hope of glory.

IX. IS EVER ACCESSIBLE. If we called on our best earthly friend as often as we call on Christ, he could not endure it. When we have stated our case to our friend we have to leave it; Christ permits us to state it over and over again. Conclusion:

1. Whoever may love us we cannot be truly happy with out the friendship of Christ.

2. We should be such friends to others as Christ is to us.

3. The greatest sin, which is not unpardonable, is ingratitude to Christ.

(N. Adams.)

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KJV: Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

WEB: The Jews therefore said, "See how much affection he had for him!"