Did you know that Jesus Christ actually had a PLAN about who would become his friends?  That's right.  Jesus deliberately chose FRIENDSHIP as the means by which he would connect with mankind, who had violated God's law and become sinners, so that he could restore men and women to their relationship with God.

That's a powerful example for us Christians today.  Our friendships and interactions with the people around us are actually opportunities to make more disciples of Jesus Christ.  But are we utilizing these opportunities?

A Trustworthy Friend Jesus appeared to have a magnetic personality.  Men, women and children alike were drawn to him.  The religious class as well as secular society paid attention to him.  But Jesus went even further.  He became the friend of the most vulnerable people in his society.  These people saw him as a confidant, a true friend who demonstrated genuine love.

Can we see how this can be the first step in evangelism?  Imagine the influence you can have with someone around you who does not have a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Do you demonstrate genuine love?  Are you concerned for everyone in your environment, including the one who is most ignored, overlooked, vulnerable?

Is Man Time NowIt is clear that Jesus targeted the men in his society as he went about his mission.  Each of his disciples - all men - received a very clear and specific invitation to come "follow Jesus".  It could be that it is more difficult to impact men than women, and so Jesus may have been very deliberate in his strategy.  In contrast, though Jesus had many female followers, we don't see where any of them received a specific call to discipleship.

Whatever the reason, this is an example for us to follow.  We must make a special effort to befriend males and influence them into becoming disciples of Jesus Christ.