Jesus calls His obedient disciples friends
Scripture reference
John 15:14–16 (ASV)
14Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you. 15No longer do I call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from my Father, I have made known unto you. 16Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Stories
Maria, a former committed Nazi, was profoundly affected by the simple idea that as believers, we are friends with Jesus. Then as she prayed, she heard His voice in dramatic confirmation.
For Rees Howells, Jesus's words in John 15:15 “I have called you friends” were no idle theory. When a woman fell ill, he prayed and expected the Lord, Howells' friend, to reveal His will concerning her to him.