“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one‘s friends” (John 15:13).
Wilm Hosenfeld and Wladslaw Szpilman were two unusual friends in an unusual time. Wilm, who was then a German soldier in the Nazi army, found Wladyslaw, a Polish Jew who had been in hiding, trying to save his own life. When Wilm asked him what his profession was, Wladyslaw replied that he was a musician, and at the soldier’s request, he played Chopin’s Noctume in C sharp minor. Wilm was very impressed by the obvious talent that the fugitive possessed, and helped him improve his hiding place. He also brought him food for a whole month, and he took him the daily newspapers so he could read about the hopeful news of the soon fall of Germany. Wladyslaw once said, “He was the only human being dressed in a German uniform that I ever met.» Both of these men ran a risk that could cost them everything because of their friendship. But they were willing to take that risk.
While it is a moral obligation to not hurt an innocent person, in those circumstances the soldier also had the obligation to kill the man in hiding… but he didn’t.
The story was transformed into a movie called “The Pianist,» and although it won many awards, perhaps the aspect of the unexpected friendship was underplayed.
Hundreds of years ago, Jesus identified Himself as our Friend. He came in the midst of a war and took on every risk in order to help us. His mission to help us would cost Him his very life, but He did not waver.
Jesus provided an abundance of food for His followers, but He also showed that His friendship meant much more than that. He brought news that the war would end, hopeful news that would cheer our hearts and that we could share with others.
Jesus did not shy away from mingling with sinners; He was not afraid of ruining His reputation. He did good whenever He could, and He cared for the wounded and dying He loved us to the ends of the earth, and no one has had greater love than He who gave His life for His friends.
How will we respond to Jesus’s love? Will we call Him our Friend, too? How do you act toward your friends? Can they count on you, even in difficult times?
