His Gracious Invitation

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. An Invitation to Liberty

2. An Invitation to Learning

3. An Invitation to Labor

Remarks.

1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing "His Gracious Invitation." This is an invitation to liberty from religious rituals and the burden of sin; to learn of Him and of His graciousness; and to labor in His kingdom as a servant of Christ, a child of God.

2. First, the Lord says: “come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest,” Matthew 11:28. Here he invites all who are struggling with religious rituals, and the guilt of sin to come to Him for rest. The true rest and freedom from the guilt of sin can only be enjoyed after one comes to Jesus Christ. No one else can promise this blessing.

3. Secondly, He says: “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls,” Matthew 11:29. This is an invitation to learn of Christ; to be taught of his meekness and lowliness of heart. The learner must be taught of Christ’s compassion and mercy to all who accepts his gracious invitation. And each shall find rest unto their souls.

4. Finally, Jesus says: “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light,” Matthew 11:30. Jesus invites all to accept his yoke of graciousness, and experience his burden, which in comparison to any other is light. Jesus asks us to be yoke to him, and allow Him to share our burden as our precious savior and friend.

BODY OF LESSON

I AN INVITATION TO LIBERTY

A. His invitation to liberty: “Come unto me.” In His Gracious Invitation, the Savior asks that the seekers of truth and salvation to come unto him. Christ is the way to true liberty from the guilt and penalty of sin. Notice:

1. First, Jesus explains: “I am the way, the truth and the life,” John 14:6.

2. Further, He promises: “It is written in the prophets, and they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me,” John 6:45. The only way to the Father is through Jesus Christ!

3. Additionally, He says: “But ye will not come to me that ye might have life,” John 5:40; Jeremiah 6:16. Hear David: “But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me,” Psalms 81:11; John 1:11-12.

4. Finally, John writes: “And the Spirit and the bride say, come; And let him that is athirst come; whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely,” Revelation 22:17. This is a great and wonderful invitation. Illustrate: The Water of Life, John 4:7-14; John 7:37-39.

B. Who is invited? Jesus says: “All ye.” He provides this invitation to all men. Both Jews and Gentiles alike are invited to accept this invitation. There are none so sinful or unrighteous; that Christ is not willing to call, cleanse and grant His salvation by grace through the faith, Ephesians 2:4-9. To further understand this call by grace, I remind you of the series of lessons: “Saved by Faith Only?” We answered this question in great detail and clarity. Notice Paul on this point:

1. First, whosoever believeth: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” John 3:16. Jesus promised eternal life to the Jewish leader, Nicodemus, who came to Him by night, John 3:1-2. See also 1 John 3:16.

2. Paul to the Romans: “For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him (the Lord) shall not be ashamed,” Romans 10:11. The seeker of truth and salvation must begin with faith in Jesus and His word, Romans 10:17; Romans 9:33. Jeremiah says: “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord…,” Jeremiah 17:7-8. See also Psalms 1:1-6.

3. Further, whosoever calleth: “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call,” Joel 2:32. Notice:

a. James at the Jerusalem Conference: “That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things,” Acts 15:17; Isaiah 43:7; Isaiah 65:1.

b. Joel begins this promise of salvation and Peter restates it on Pentecost: “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” Acts 2:21.

c. Paul to the Romans: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” Romans 10:13. The beloved apostles was describing the salvation afforded both Jews and Gentiles alike.