God's Invitation
God invites us into a life shared with him. What are the characteristics of the life God offers? What is God inviting us into?
What does the Bible say about God's invitation for us to be with him? -
- Come and see - John 1v36-41
- Welcome - Revelation 3v20-21
- Invitation to satisfaction - Isaiah 55v1-3
- Invitation to live - John 10v8-10
- Invitation to weary - Matthew 11v28-30
Come and see
John 1v36-41
As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus.
Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them.
They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
“Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day.
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”).
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How did Jesus respond to those who were curious about him?
- With what attitude did these curious people leave their visit with Jesus?
Thoughts to consider
We can hear all sorts of things about Jesus, but we don’t have to take the word of others. We can pray to Jesus and ask him to show us what he is like - though we can’t predict how, or through whom, he will do it. When we ask him, he often comes with, what are you going to do with the answer?
Welcome
Revelation 3v20-21
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.”
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What is Jesus inviting people to?
- What promise does he give to those who accept the invitation?
Thoughts to consider
Jesus may invite, but we must receive him. When we receive him, it is to rich fellowship with the one who desires so much for us.
Invitation to satisfaction
Isaiah 55v1-3
“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.”
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What does God invite you to?
- How do we receive this nurture that he offers?
Thoughts to consider
David was a king who was shown extravagant love and forgiveness by God. Many look upon free offers with suspicion. However, what could you offer the creator of the universe beyond your heart?
Invitation to live
John 10v8-10
All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What is Jesus inviting people to?
- How does that contrast with the intentions of others who make offers?
Thoughts to consider
The rich and satisfying life is not seen by outside appearances but by reflecting on the effect it has on the lives of others and the quality of love that people experience through that person.
Invitation to weary
Matthew 11v28-30
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What is Jesus inviting to in this passage?
- What do you think Jesus means by being yoked with him?
Thoughts to consider
Many want a free and easy ride but such lives are usually empty. Jesus offers to share his life as we face challenges together. The yoke Jesus refers to bound two oxen to plough a field. If we go with Jesus through life, he carries much of the load and we experiencing his love and companionship as we go.
Overview questions for reflection or discussion
- How would you summarise Jesus' invitation to you?
- How do you feal about Jesus' invitation?
