Christ’s Open Invitation
A catechism for weary people.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Question: Would Jesus ever welcome a person like me?
Answer: Jesus welcomes us without exception. His arms are open wide. Notice he says, “come unto me…all.” He doesn’t say, “come unto me…some.” Are you among the “all” of this world? Then his invitation is for you. His arms are wide open. There is no exception to all.
Question: What if my burden doesn’t meet his qualifications?
Answer: Jesus doesn’t discriminate on the burden that weighs us down but invites anyone who has any burden. If you carry the burden of sin, he is the Friend of sinners. If you carry the burden of failure, he is the Faithful One. He is the Man of sorrows if you carry the burden of grief. Whatever burden you have, he invites you.
Question: But what if I have nothing to offer him?
Answer: Jesus has everything to offer us. He does not invite us to fill something lacking in himself. He is full of life and love and has everything to offer us. Notice he says, “I will give you rest.” He is the giver. We are the recipients. And he loves it that way!
So, to all who are weary and need rest, To all who mourn and long for comfort, To all who feel worthless and wonder if God cares, To all who fail and desire strength, To all who sin and need a Savior, This church opens wide her doors with a welcome from Jesus Christ, the Ally of his enemies, the Defender of the guilty, the Justifier of the inexcusable, the Friend of sinners. Welcome!
Good News!