That's a really interesting question that people have pondered for centuries. The Gospels don't explicitly state *why* Jesus had friends, but we can infer several possible reasons based on his actions and teachings:
* Humanity: Jesus, while believed to be divine, was also fully human. As a human being, he would have experienced the same needs and desires for connection, companionship, and support that we all do. Friendship would have fulfilled those basic human needs.
* Ministry Support: Jesus' friends, like the apostles, were also his close collaborators. They traveled with him, supported him, learned from him, and helped spread his message. They were essential to his ministry and its continuation after his death.
* Emotional Support: The Gospels show that Jesus experienced a wide range of emotions, including joy, sorrow, anger, and grief. He likely relied on his friends for emotional support during difficult times. For example, the Garden of Gethsemane narrative suggests he sought solace and companionship from Peter, James, and John.
* Modeling Relationships: Jesus often used the concept of friendship in his teachings, emphasizing love, loyalty, and mutual support. By having close friendships, he modeled the kind of relationships he wanted his followers to cultivate.
* Understanding Humanity: Having friends and sharing in their lives would have given Jesus a deeper understanding of the human condition. This understanding would have been invaluable in his role as a teacher and savior.
* Love and Connection: Ultimately, Jesus valued love and connection. He said that the greatest commandment was to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself. Friendship is a powerful expression of love, and it's likely that Jesus simply enjoyed the love and connection that came with having friends.
Some theologians might also argue that the Trinity itself (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) reflects a model of loving relationship. Jesus, as the Son, would naturally embody and express that relational aspect of the divine.
It's important to remember that these are all interpretations and inferences based on the Gospel accounts. The Gospels primarily focus on Jesus' mission and teachings, rather than providing a detailed psychological portrait of his personal life.