There’s no church July 26 as we gather in the park on Friday evening July 24!  But we continue our series on Jesus here and back in church in August!

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Last week we talked about Jesus being real, relatable, and present. This week we’re looking at another side of Jesus.  Jesus is a friend who stays close, even when life feels overwhelming. And the Toy Story series, including the recent “Toy Story 5” smash hit movie gives us a surprisingly helpful picture of that kind of friendship.

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Toy Story connects across generations. Pretty much everyone knows it!  The whole story centers on friendship that doesn’t quit. Woody stays loyal to Andy even as Andy grows up. The rest of the toys remain committed even when they feel forgotten or stuck in the attic. Their friendship is built on presence, sacrifice, and staying with each other through change.

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That kind of loyalty helps us understand something deeper. The way those characters stick together points toward the kind of friend Jesus is. He doesn’t give up on people when they drift or doubt. He moves toward people who feel overlooked or pushed aside. He restores people who feel worn down by reminding them they matter. His friendship grows with us and doesn’t fade when life shifts.

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Many Gen Alpha (ages 17 and below) and adults know what it feels like to wait to be noticed. Friendships can be unpredictable or temporary. Jesus offers a friendship that isn’t built on popularity, performance, or perfection. He sees us clearly. He values us. He calls us into purpose. He loves us!

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Jesus says, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). That’s the kind of friend Jesus is. Whether someone feels connected or disconnected, confident or unsure, he stays close and walks with them into whatever comes next.

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And following the Toy Story theme, Jesus says to us, “You’ve got a friend in me!”