A Friend Like Jonathan

INTRODUCTION.

A.        Friendships are valuable in a person’s life. Consider the following statements.

1.         “A friend has been defined as the first person who comes in when the whole world has gone out.” (Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, pg 158)

2.         “Value a friend who, for you, finds time on his calendar – but cherish the friend who, for you, does no even consult his calendar.” (Ibid.)

B.        If you were to examine your life, how would you describe your ability to be a friend? Solomon wrote, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, NKJV) Is that a description of you?

C.        With this lesson, we will examine a find example of friendship between individuals. We will examine Jonathan, the friend of David.

D.        Let us begin by looking into Jonathan’s family.

I.         JONATHAN’S FAMILY.

            A.        Jonathan was the son of King Saul and Ahinoam. (I Samuel 14:49)

            B.        Jonathan’s brothers and sisters: Jishui, Malchishua, Merab, and Michal. (I Samuel 14:49)

            C.        Jonathan’s descendants: Son - Mephibosheth, grandson - Micha. (II Samuel 9:1-12; I Chronicles 8:33-40 - show what happened to Jonathan’s descendants.)

II.       JONATHAN WAS A VALIANT WARRIOR. (I Samuel 14:1-14)

            A.        Jonathan was willing to attack a garrison of the Philistines without the help of the army of Israel. (vs 1-14)

            B.        The army of Israel gave Jonathan the credit for their victory against the Philistines. (vs 45)

III.      JONATHAN WAS A TRUE FRIEND.

            A.        Solomon, the son of David wrote, “. . . there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, NKJV)

            B.        Solomon had a good teacher. David, in his relationship with Jonathan, understood the meaning of true friendship.

                        1.         Consider the closeness of David and Jonathan. (I Samuel 18:1-4)

                        2.         When Solomon unjustly sought to kill David, Jonathan went to Saul on David’s behalf. (I Samuel 19:1-7)

                        3.         Again, after Saul sought to kill David, Jonathan was willing to help David. (I Samuel 20:1-4ff)

IV.      JONATHAN’S CHARACTERISTICS.

            A.        He trusted in God. (I Samuel 14:6)

            B.        He was level headed. (I Samuel 14:24-30 - honey and his hunger)

            C.        He had the support of the people. (I Samuel 14:45)

            D.        He was humble. He knew that David was the rightful king. (I Samuel 23:16-18)

CONCLUSION.

A.        As with many Bible characters, Jonathan set great standards for you and I.

1.         In our spiritual battles, we too can be valiant warriors. Let us trust in God and put on His armor. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

2.         Let us understand what true friendship and apply it in our lives. Let us treat one another as brothers in Christ.

a.         Love each other. (John 13:35)

b.         Give preference to each other. (Romans 12:9-10)

c.         Help and edify each other. (Romans 14:19)

2.         Let us always be level headed and use sound scriptural reasoning when we differentiate between right and wrong. (Cf. II Timothy 2:15)

3.         Let us always remain humble. Remember the inspired words of James, “Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10, NKJV)

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A Friend Like Jonathan - October 20, 2002 - File #: 871 - Jonathan

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK