Jesus, The Perfect Friend

The Caddo Indians were remarkable. Over 400 years ago, their tribes were filled with farmers, warriors, potters, artisans and traders with a unique culture. They were so powerful, populous and advanced that Spanish explorers considered them civilized and friendly. 

“Tejas” is the Spanish spelling of a Caddo Indian word “taysha,” which means “friend” or “ally.” In the 17th century, the Spanish knew the Caddo Indian people as “The Great Kingdom of Tejas.” 

Sadly, this initial respect didn’t spare the Caddo from the common fate of so many natives who came into contact with European disease, guns and agendas. Within 200 years, their numbers dwindled and they were relegated to tiny reservations. 

Today, there are 4,000 Caddo, but few make their home on their Oklahoma reservation. They live and work throughout America as teachers, police officers, nurses, lawyers, electricians and artists – just like you and me. 

The Caddo have always been a friend to America, though America has not always been a friend to the Caddo. How ironic that the name “Texas” comes from a word meaning “friendship” from a people that Texas refused to be the friend of! 

It’s just like that with Jesus. Many have a hard time believing Jesus, good as He is, is their friend. Jesus has been feared because He’s different from us, blamed for things He didn’t do, hated because His presence doesn’t jive with our lifestyle. 

Ultimately, we just kick Him out of our lives.  Still, He is known for His love – for being a friend to sinners. He didn’t just die for you, He died and went to hell for you! He slapped death in the face when you and I couldn’t. 

Yes, Jesus has proven to be the kind of friend that only He can be. Let’s not do to Him what the Texans did to the Caddo Indians. Don’t send Him off to a reservation far away! Reserve a place in your heart for Him. He’s proven Himself worthy! 

 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. – John 15:13