When Jesus walked the earth, he had different groups of people around him: the crowds, followers, the disciples and also friends. But then he had an inner circle of Peter, James and John. They got access to Jesus and to certain events and experiences that the other nine disciples didn't Yet, you never see Jesus apologising to the others. He was very strategic in who allowed into his closest inner circle. We don't know why he chose these three, but Jesus knew.

In the age of social media "friends" and casual acquaintances, I believe the Lord wants us to be very prayerful and strategic about who we allow into our closest inner circle. Often we give people too much time or access because we are scared to say 'no' or we are afraid of offending them. We only have so much capacity for intimacy, so we have to be very deliberate, discriminating and discerning in who we let into our lives, especially who we entrust with the deep things in our hearts. Choose friends carefully. They will greatly impact your future.

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Matthew 17:1-2

“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.”

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Mark 5:37; 40-42

“He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James...

...But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child's father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.”

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Mark 14:33-34

He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”