Saul and Jonathan died in battle, and David ascended to the throne over Israel. But David remembered his friendship with Jonathan and inquired whether any members of Saul’s house still lived. 

David learned that Jonathan had a crippled son, Mephibosheth, who was living as an outcast; David summoned this son to his court. When Mephibosheth arrived, he feared for his life. But David showed him “kindness for Jonathan’s sake” (2 Samuel 9:1). He restored property to Mephibosheth and made him a resident of his court. David did this to honor his friendship with Jonathan who had saved his life when Saul sought to kill him. Jesus mirrored this kind of friendship with His disciples (John 15:13-17). Just as Jonathan had pledged to meet David’s needs (1 Samuel 20:4), so Jesus made the same pledge to His disciples who were His friends (John 15:7, 13).

Are you that loyal of a friend? Ask God for grace to be the kind of friend who is faithful in adversity.

Friendship is the greatest of worldly goods.
C. S. Lewis