December 5

After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. — Matt 17:1 BSB

Jesus had special friendships. While all the apostles were part of His close circle, there were three—Peter, James, and John—who were even nearer to Him. In the Garden of Gethsemane, these three were chosen to stay closest to Him during His deep agony, offering their sympathy and support.

There must have been qualities in these three that drew them into such intimacy with Jesus. It wasn’t mere favoritism. We know that the holiest people draw closest to Christ, and that faith and purity of heart bring us near Him, while doubt and selfishness separate us. Jesus said that those who serve others selflessly are the greatest in His kingdom. Self-centeredness keeps us distant, but service and humility bring us close. It’s comforting to know that even Peter, with all his faults, was welcomed into Jesus' closest circle of friends.