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The Invitation of Jesus (1)

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: Matthew 11:28-30

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Editor’s Note: Due to a recent vacation, there is no pre-recorded lessons (audio or video) of this outline.  The live recording is posted.  Thank you for your understanding.  TT

Today, I want to examine a practical passage that we quote from time to time – Matthew 11:28-30.   It is the invitation of Jesus as recorded by Matthew.  It comes after Matthew records some examples of rejection.  John the Baptist is in prison and sends disciples to question Jesus (11:1-15), the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders (11:16-19), and His rejection by the cities of Chorazin and Capernaum (11:20-24).  Yet Jesus thanks the Father that He has made Himself available to all, including the marginalized.  Certainly, Jesus was not the only one rejected by the corrupt leaders with power.  Therefore, He offers an invitation with a promise that He would be with all who came to Him.  It is this text we want to examine today.    I want to notice some details associated with this invitation – either stated plainly in the text, or unquestionably implied.  I will follow this up with a sermon this evening, in which we will ask, Why do some not accept His invitation?

 

1. Our Savior who invites us
   1. Clearly Jesus is speaking and inviting. Hebrews 1:1-2 – He is the one who speaks to us today through His word.
   2. He is the only one through whom we can have spiritual hope. John 14:6 – He is the way.  Acts 4:12 – there is no other name, given among men by which we must be saved.
   3. This is an invitation from “the good Shepherd” – John 10:11, “the head of His body, the church” – Ephesians 1:22-23, the cornerstone of the building – Ephesians 2:20; our king – 1 Timthy 6:15 which notes He is “the blessed and only potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords…”.
   4. As such, He invites us to be part of His flock, added to His family (which is the church), a living stone in His spiritual building (1 Peter 2:4-5), and citizens under His benevolent rule.
   5. When it comes to invitations, there are none with greater impact in our lives.
2. The invitation implies that man has been away from Him
   1. When we sin we are separated from God – Isaiah 59:2 – our iniquities have separated us from Him. Ezekiel 18:4, “The soul who sins shall die.”
   2. In the New Testament, we are also reminded that we are sinners – Romans 3:23 tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” NOTE: It does not say we HAVE TO sin, but we have sinned.  Ephesians 2:1-3 describes the former state of those who had not accepted the invitation.  2:4-10 describes what God has done about it – His grace has provided salvation.  But notice Eph. 2:11-12, Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
   3. NOTE: Let us understand that the reason we are separated from God is because of OUR sins. Contrary to the teaching of some, we are not born in sin.  Ezekiel 18:20 is clear about that – repeating, “the soul who sins, it shall die.”  The fact that Jesus calls for us to become as little children to enter the kingdom of heaven implies that little children are born innocent (Matthew 18:2-4).  That is why scripture continually calls for us to repent – be WE are guilty.  Nowhere does the New Testament state that we need to repent because of the sins of our parents.
   4. It is because of our sins, that Jesus (& God & the Holy Spirit) has invited us to come to Him.
3. He wants us to come to Him
   1. Jesus dealt with much rejection, even in the text surrounding the invitation. But what is clear is that He WANTED us to come to Him.
   2. John 7:37 Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink”.
   3. John 12:46, I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.
   4. John 3:16, Romans 5:8, etc. – these are texts that declare Jesus salvation is available to everyone.
   5. 1 Timothy 2:4 plainly declares that God wants all to be saved.
   6. But a point, we must remember is that while we wants us to be saved, He will NOT force anyone to obey Him. But there are consequences based on whatever decision we make.
4. All are invited
   1. The invitation of Jesus was extended to everyone. While not stated in the text, I could see Jesus appealing to anyone who would listen and was interested.  While many were not, some were.  And to all who were interested, He was willing.
   2. Titus 2:11 – the grace of God has appeared to all men. 2 Peter 3:9 – He is not willing that any should peris.
   3. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 tells us that He died for all.
   4. When Jesus extended the “great invitation” it was to “all the world” – Luke 24:46-47, Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19-20.
   5. John 1:29, as John introduced Jesus, He said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. John 6:33 – the bread of God… gives life to the world;
   6. Revelation 22:17 notes that whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
5. All CAN come to Him
   1. The difference between this and the last point. God has NOT created a plan that cannot be followed.
   2. He has not teased man with something impossible (or nearly so) to obey.   Consider a commercial for a high-end car, or expensive diamond or exotic vacation.  They advertise it as if anyone can do it, but for most it is totally out of range, or it is obtained foolishly (e.g., debt). God’s gift is not like that.
   3. He has not demanded a million dollars or something like that. His steps to salvation can be done by anyone, anywhere.
   4. John 1:11-12 notes that Jesus came to His own but they rejected Him, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”
   5. In our text, Jesus said, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” While there are challenges to that, Jesus is saying, you CAN do this if you are willing.
   6. While His plan is not always easy, it can be obeyed. The actual plan is simple.  Obey the gospel and be faithful to Him for life (cf. Matthew 28:19-20).  And we have the promise of 1 John 1:7, 2:1-2.  God’s willingness to forgive is not like what man does.
   7. Those who do not accept His invitation CHOOSE to do so. John 5:39-40, Cf. Matthew 17:37-38 – as Jesus wept over Jerusalem, He notes that their fate was their own choosing.
6. It is up to me to accept that invitation
   1. The nature of the invitation – “I’m inviting you, now come.”
   2. God has done His part and made the invitation available. But He does not force anyone to obey Him.  We were created with free-will, which is seen in many of the passages we have addressed.
   3. He knocks, but it is up to you to open – Revelation 3:20; He is the door to the sheepfold – John 10:9 – but it is up to us to hear His voice and join the flock; He is the way – but it is up to us to get on the path – John 14:6.
   4. John 6:66 – after some hard saying, “many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.” Thankfully, Peter and others stayed with Him – 6:67-69.
   5. Luke 15:11-32 – when the prodigal son demanded his inheritance, his father let him leave. He did not force him to stay but waited for him to return.
   6. Jesus did NOT force them to stay, ever!
7. What happens if I accept His invitation?
   1. Rest for your soul – far too many today are living hopeless lives (Recall Ephesians 2:12 – they were without hope and without God in the world). They are miserable, bitter and hurting.  They are guilty and they know it.  That is why we see so many problems with drugs & alcohol, filled prisons, suicides and visits to psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors, etc.  People are looking for answers.
      1. When one obeys the gospel, if they understand what they are doing, there is a great sense of relief as they come out of that watery grave (Romans 6:3-4 – raised to walk in newness of life; 2 Corinthians 5:17 describes him as “a new creation”).
      2. When one has wandered away, and someone turns him back – when they genuinely repent (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:10-1), there is a tremendous burden lifted.
      3. The Bible gives us direction for dealing with life’s real struggles.
   2. Eternal life – the ultimate gift is a hope that extends beyond this life. Far too many live thinking that this life is all there is.  No wonder they are miserable and hopeless.  Here for a short while and then gone! But the Christian knows there is more to life than the “here and now”.  We live anticipating our home in heaven – 2 Corinthians 5:1-5.  Romans 2:7 speaks of eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor and immortality.
   3. I am joined to Him – Galatians 3:27. When all is as it ought to be, I become part of a spiritual family that will be there for me.
      1. A family there for us in times of crisis – Galatians 6:2 – bear one another’s burdens; 1 Thessalonians 5:10– uphold the weak, comfort the fainthearted; Romans 12:10 – kindly affectionate to one another… rejoicing and weeping with one another (5:15).  God, in His eternal wisdom designed it that way.
      2. A family we can TRUST, when the world lets us down. Christians are to live honorably with each other.

And thus, we can see the invitation of our Lord.  It is simple, but when we study the text, it is filled with meaning and hope.  As we have noted, it is available to all.  What about you, have you accepted His invitation – both to becoming part of Him and living for Him?  Think about it.