The invitations of Jesus.
1. Come and hear ps 66:16 (many of us can have and offer this invitation.
2. Come and see. Jn 1:39
3. Come and dine. Jn 21:12
4. Come and drink. Jn 7: 37
5. Come unto me all who are weak and heavy laden Matt: 11:28
6. Come and Take up your cross -Mark 10:21
7. Come away to a secluded place and rest -Mark 6:31
8. Come you blessed of my father and inherit the Kingdom -Matthew 25:34,
9. Follow me: Jn. 21
As we close the summer portion of the year, we encounter many new challenges and changes. We go from one grade level to the next. We May transition from one place to the next (work, school, living, and even social). We are invited out somewhere or to visit someone or someplace. Sometimes we are invited back such as high school reunions, homecomings (school and/or church). However, when we are invited or invite someone to church, it says that the person giving the invitation thinks a kot of you, they care for you, you mean something to them. Today I want to talk about the seven invitations Jesus gives, while first giving you an invitation all on my own found in Psalms 66:16, “Come and hear what the lord has done for me.” Many of us can offer this invitation. It doesn’t even have to involve a religious ceremony, or setting to share the goodness of God. (Personal story) “the food given by God”.
Many years ago, the family and I went to see my great aunt Artie, in Pontotoc, Mississippi. She was my grandmother's sister, and it had been years since I had visited her. The last time I went was when I was about 5 years old. I remembered her house well. Just off old hwy 6 in the Macedonian community, anyway I led the caravan of uncles and cousins to her front door. She heard we was coming and was up half the morning cooking and there was something on that table for everyone. Friends God is like that, there’s something for everyone.
The "Seven Invitations of Jesus" reflect the depth of His call to relationship, renewal, and transformation. Each invitation reveals a unique aspect of Jesus' ministry and what He desires for those who follow Him. Let's for a few moments today explore each one:in our time together.
### 1. **Come and See** (John 1:39)
When Jesus calls us to “come and see,” it is an invitation to explore the truth for ourselves. This is where discipleship begins: with curiosity and seeking. Jesus does not force us into faith but rather invites us to investigate, to engage with Him personally. In this passage, the disciples first ask Jesus where He is staying, and instead of just giving them an answer, He invites them to come along. This is a gentle introduction into a relationship with Him.
**Application**: Have you responded to Jesus’ invitation to "come and see"? Do you seek Him in your daily life, allowing Him to reveal more of who He is?
### 2. **Come and Dine** (John 21:12)
After His resurrection, Jesus appears to the disciples by the Sea of Galilee and invites them to “come and dine.” This occurs after the miraculous catch of fish, a moment of provision and abundance. Jesus prepares a meal for His weary disciples, showing us His care for our physical and spiritual needs. It’s an invitation to communion and fellowship.
**Application**: Jesus still invites us to His table, to sit in His presence and be nourished spiritually. Are you making time to sit at the table with Jesus in fellowship and reflection?
### 3. **Come and Drink** (John 7:37)
Jesus stands at the Feast of Tabernacles and offers the living water to all who are thirsty. This invitation speaks of the deep spiritual thirst in every human soul, which only He can satisfy. Jesus promises that whoever believes in Him will have rivers of living water flowing from within—representing the Holy Spirit.
**Application**: Are you thirsty for more of Jesus? Do you allow the Holy Spirit to fill you daily with His presence and refresh you when you're spiritually dry?
### 4. **Come to Me All Who Are Weary** (Matthew 11:28)
Jesus extends an invitation of rest and peace to those who are weary and burdened. His heart is gentle and humble, and He offers a rest that the world cannot give. This is not just physical rest but a deep soul rest from the burdens of life, sin, and striving.
**Application**: Are you feeling weary today? Jesus offers rest, peace, and relief from life’s pressures. Will you come to Him, lay down your burdens, and find rest?
### 5. **Come, Take Up Your Cross** (Mark 10:21)
In speaking to the rich young ruler, Jesus challenges him to sell everything, give to the poor, and follow Him. This invitation calls us to radical discipleship, to leave behind what holds us back and take up our cross. It is a call to self-denial and sacrifice in following Jesus.
**Application**: What is holding you back from fully following Jesus? Are you willing to take up your cross, deny yourself, and follow Him, even if it requires sacrifice?
### 6. **Come Away and Rest** (Mark 6:31)
Jesus, seeing the weariness of His disciples after their ministry efforts, invites them to come away to a secluded place and rest. This shows His understanding of our need for renewal and rejuvenation. Even in ministry, there must be times of stepping aside, resting, and connecting with God away from the noise.
**Application**: Do you prioritize rest and retreat in your spiritual life? Jesus invites you to step away from the busyness and find rest in His presence.
### 7. **Come, You Blessed of My Father** (Matthew 25:34)
This final invitation is eschatological, pointing to the end of the age when Jesus will call His faithful followers to inherit the Kingdom prepared for them. It is the culmination of all the other invitations—the promise of eternal life and fellowship with God in His Kingdom.
**Application**: Are you living with an eternal perspective, preparing to one day hear Jesus say, “Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom”?
There is an 8th invitation without it we cannot experience the other 7. It’s found also in John’s gospel John 21:19 “Follow Me
### Conclusion:
Throughout His ministry, Jesus extends multiple invitations that reveal His desire for relationship, healing, and transformation in our lives. Each “come” from Jesus brings us deeper into intimacy with Him, challenges us to greater surrender, and leads us toward the promise of eternal life. Responding to these invitations requires faith, trust, and a willingness to walk closely with Him.
Are you ready to respond to His call today?
Feel free to use as the Lord leads
