A Reflection on 1 Samuel 20 and John 15:13-15
Friendship is a precious gift, but true friendship—the kind that endures through trials, stands firm in loyalty, and is bound by an unbreakable covenant—is rare. The story of David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20 offers one of the most powerful examples of covenant friendship in the Bible. Yet, as with all of Scripture, it ultimately points us to Jesus, the True Friend who keeps His covenant forever.
In John 15:13-15, Jesus speaks of friendship in its highest form:
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”
This passage reveals the heart of Christ as our covenant-keeping friend, mirroring the bond we see between David and Jonathan.
I. The Covenant Between Jonathan and David (1 Samuel 20:12-17)
Jonathan, the son of King Saul, recognized that David was God’s chosen one. Though Jonathan was the rightful heir to the throne, he willingly submitted to God’s will, choosing friendship over position, loyalty over self-interest, and love over fear.
In 1 Samuel 20:12-17, Jonathan made a covenant with David, promising to protect him and stand by him even when his own father, Saul, sought to kill David:
“May the Lord be with you as He has been with my father. But if I am still alive, show me the steadfast love of the Lord, that I may not die; and do not cut off your steadfast love from my house forever.” (1 Samuel 20:13-15)
Jesus: The Greater Jonathan
Jonathan’s selfless love for David foreshadows the love of Jesus, who gave up His heavenly position to become our friend and advocate. While Jonathan risked his life to save David, Jesus gave His life to save us. The covenant of love that Jonathan made with David is but a shadow of the eternal New Covenant in Christ, sealed not with mere words but with His own blood (Luke 22:20).
“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
II. The Betrayal and Testing of Friendship (1 Samuel 20:30-34)
Jonathan’s loyalty to David was tested when his father, Saul, grew furious and insulted him, even attempting to kill him:
“Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, ‘You son of a perverse, rebellious woman, do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame?’” (1 Samuel 20:30)
Jonathan faced a choice: Would he remain faithful to David, or would he side with his father’s kingdom? He chose David. This is a beautiful picture of how believers must choose allegiance to Christ over the world.
Jesus: The Friend Betrayed Yet Faithful
Just as Jonathan suffered for his love for David, Jesus suffered for His love for us. He was betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, and abandoned by His disciples, yet He remained faithful. When the world turns against us, Jesus remains our unwavering, covenant-keeping friend.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
III. The Pain of Separation and the Hope of Reunion (1 Samuel 20:41-42)
At the end of 1 Samuel 20, David and Jonathan had to part ways. Their goodbye was filled with tears, sorrow, and hope:
“Then Jonathan said to David, ‘Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” (1 Samuel 20:42)
Jonathan’s promise pointed to something greater—an everlasting covenant. Though Jonathan and David were separated, their covenant endured beyond their lifetime.
Jesus: The Friend Who Will Never Leave
Unlike Jonathan and David, we will never have to say goodbye to Jesus. He is always with us, and His covenant of friendship is eternal. His promise in John 15 is not just for a moment—it is forever. He calls us friends, revealing the intimate relationship He desires with us.
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
IV. Our Response: Living in Covenant Friendship with Christ
If Jesus is the True Friend Who Keeps His Covenant Forever, how should we respond?
- Love Him Above All Else
- Just as Jonathan prioritized David over his own kingdom, we must prioritize Christ over the world.
- “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37)
- Trust Him in Every Season
- Even when life is hard, Jesus remains faithful.
- “I have called you friends.” (John 15:15)
- Live in Obedience to Him
- Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:14)
- True friendship with Jesus means walking in His ways.
- Share His Love with Others
- Jonathan did not keep his covenant with David secret—he boldly defended him.
- We are called to share the gospel of Christ’s covenant love with the world.
Conclusion: The Eternal Covenant of Friendship
Jonathan and David’s friendship was deep, sacrificial, and bound by covenant, but even it had its limitations. In contrast, Jesus offers us a friendship that never ends. He is the Friend who laid down His life, who never betrays, and who remains faithful even when we fail.
As you reflect on 1 Samuel 20 and John 15:13-15, remember: Jesus is not just our Lord—He is our closest, truest, and most faithful friend.
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
Will you embrace His friendship today?
