Seven Invitations of Jesus
Good Morning Friends,
There is an art to reading and internalizing the Bible. It is to be experienced, savored and enjoyed more than studied. One might wonder what it is that makes it so attractive and nourishing. And while Jesus promises peace, rest and abundant life, I think the one thing above all that draws men to Himself is His inspired love, for it fits each piece of scripture into a whole body as trees into a forest and guides us though the Spirit to enjoy it. Yesterday we pondered the Seven Words of Jesus on the Cross but today we explore the love in the Seven Invitations of Jesus.
Scripture:
1. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 (NRSV)
2. He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon.
John 1:39 (NRSV)
3. On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’
John 7:37-38 (NRSV)
4. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord.
John 21:12
(NRSV)
5. Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
Mark 10:21 (NRSV)
6. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
Mark 6:31 (NRSV)
7. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;
Matthew 25:34 (NRSV)
Message: The standing invitation is to eat the Book… the Word made flesh. Jesus never imposes. Jesus extends invitations. He always invites us in a humble way. “If you want, come.” It is personal and relational… connecting thought and experience and character. On a number of occasions and at least in the seven ways noted in today’s scripture, Jesus emphasizes the personal nature of the call that goes out to all men. Each time that He calls a person to Himself the intent is to bless that person in giving them the opportunity to become complete in Him. And here as we connect scripture and relationships, something is taken apart in us and connected in a new way that begins to change us and eventually transforms us. It is an invitation to discipleship… to a way of thinking and feeling that revolves around a relationship with the person of Jesus. Here we are found connecting our own beginnings, beliefs, and behaviors with those of others into something complete in Christ. Here we discover a way of laying down our burdens and entering into a relationship of discipleship with Jesus that restores our body and soul. Friends accept the invitation of a saving relationship with Christ. Lie down in green pastures beside the waters of rest. Accept the invitation of love received and shared each day.
Pray we come to meet Jesus. Pray we come and see. Pray we accept the deep drink of the Spirit. Pray we take spiritual nourishment. Pray we follow in the Way. Pray we spend time away with Jesus. Pray we come into the love of Jesus and be blessed. Pray we extend an invitation to others so they too might become whole.
Blessings,
John Lawson
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