You’re Invited

He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus.  John 1:41-42

Invitations are special.  Once in a while my wife and I will receive an invitation to a wedding, and it makes us feel good that they would think of us.  When a couple plans their wedding, they want special friends and family to be there to celebrate with them.  Often invitations have to be limited due to space and cost.  It’s special to receive an invitation. 

Invitations are special, and Jesus has given you an invitation.  In Matthew 4:19 Jesus invited a couple of fishermen in Galilee, James and John, to come and follow Him.  He called out to them saying “Come here and I will make you fishers of men.”  This was an incredible moment.  Jesus, the Son of God, the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29) extended an invitation to these ordinary, rugged, not so talented men. 

James and John were fishing with their dad, keeping the family business going.  Their future was in the fishing industry, and it wasn’t a glamorous, moneymaking venture.  These men didn’t have anything unique that qualified them to follow Jesus.  Jesus did not call them over because of any extraordinary skill, knowledge, or possession.  Jesus invited them because He wanted to do something extraordinary in and through them. 

What amazes me is that Jesus extends this invitation to all of us!  In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says, “Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”  Jesus knows we are just ordinary men and women.  We are all sinners in need of forgiveness only Jesus can give, and Jesus invites us to come after Him.  Jesus will forgive us and give us rest if we answer His invitation. James and John responded immediately, leaving their boat and their father on the sea to follow Jesus.  In John 1:41-42, after being invited to follow Jesus, Andrew invited his brother, Simon, to come too. 

Have you accepted the invitation to follow Jesus?    

 

 

 


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