Recently, I responded to an invitation that had been hanging on my refrigerator for well over a month. Eventually the invite caught my eye and prompted me to action. And I’m grateful for this as I just made the cutoff date by a day! I share this only as my experience reminded me of two truths concerning invitations. First, invitations, unless they are responded to are of no value. And second, failure to respond to invitations always results in missing out on something.

I think we can all identify with missing out on an experience or opportunity at some point in our lives simply because we didn’t respond to an invitation. And if this is your story, I can relate, as it’s been mine in the past. But I have good news for us. Jesus doesn’t want any of us to miss out on any of the good things He has invited us to. Instead, He desires for everyone to hear His call, know His heart and respond to His gracious invitations.

As I searched the gospels, I’ve identified what I believe to be five compelling invitations that Jesus offers to everyone. However, benefitting from any of these invitations requires responding to the first and most critical of His invitations, the invitation to follow.

“Follow Me”

This was Jesus’s no-nonsense recruiting slogan. In fact, these were the very words He used when inviting some of His first disciples to journey with Him. He simply said follow me and they did. Remarkably, these men didn’t consider or evaluate His invitation. Follow you where? Follow you why? Follow you how? These would more than likely have been questions I would have asked, but the would-be disciples never asked these questions. Instead, they responded immediately by leaving everything and journeying with Jesus.

The Benefits

While there’s no bonus package included with the honorary, volunteer position of disciple, there are many amazing benefits to following Jesus. I’ll start with the obvious which would be knowing and being known by Him. There is truly no greater benefit than this.

But additionally, there is also the privilege of being a part of a massive mission to connect others to the gospel which Jesus alluded to when He told His fisherman friends their focus would no longer be catching fish, but rather reaching people.

Jesus’ gracious invitation to follow is of no value unless it is responded to.

Next on the list of benefits would be receiving spiritual clarity as Jesus promised when He revealed Himself as, … the light of the world. [Saying]: “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12 ESV).

And finally is the benefit of being personally cared for and protected by Jesus, the good shepherd [who] lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:22).

The Cost

While the benefits far outweigh any cost that accompanies discipleship, still there is a cost to following Jesus. And Jesus never said anything less. In fact, He spoke to this very thing by saying, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24 NLT).

Perhaps this sounds a bit overwhelming, as I’m sure it was for the early disciples. But in truth, it is only in total surrender that we experience the rich and satisfying life that Jesus came to give us. (See John 10:10.)

The Rewards

I never cease to be amazed at how extravagantly gracious Jesus truly is. He is the greatest of all givers. There is no way we could ever outgive Him. And the thing is, He doesn’t ask us to. Instead, He invites us to know Him, love Him and follow Him. And as if this weren’t enough, He has also promised us future rewards. These rewards are recorded in the gospels and serve as reminders of the good things that He has promised for those who have faithfully followed Him.

Reward 1: Ruling in God’s Kingdom

Jesus spoke to His disciples saying, “Yes, you who followed me. In the re-creation of the world, when the Son of Man will rule gloriously, you who have followed me will also rule…”

Reward 2: Present with Jesus, Honored by God

And Jesus said, “Whoever wants to serve me must follow me, so that my servant[s] [who have followed me] will be [present] with me where I am. And my Father will [also] honor anyone who serves me.” John 12:26 NLT

Reward 3: Eternal Treasure in Heaven

And finally, Jesus encouraged His disciples with these words, “everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, [for the sake of following me] will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29 NLT).

And these words continue to encourage and inspire followers of Jesus still today.

For knowing Jesus means following Jesus. And following Jesus begins with the acceptance of His gracious invitation. This is a highly significant invitation that is truly life changing. But it is of no value unless it is responded to.

I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus;

I have decided to follow Jesus; No turning back; no turning back.

Extend grace to others!

If you’ve been encouraged, strengthened, or edified by this week’s post, please consider sharing Grace Notes for You with a friend.

Community Question of the Week

How did you first receive/hear Jesus’s personal invitation to follow Him? Encourage others with your words HERE!

Reflect

Which of the many benefits of following Jesus are you most grateful for? Why?

Pray

Holy God, I am humbled by and grateful for the gracious invitation to follow you. It is an extreme privilege to know you by name and walk with you daily in this life and one day forever. Thank you for the amazing benefits and eternal rewards that you promise to those who follow you. You are an amazing God, and I give you the highest praise. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Worship

Anthem Lights’ Invitation Medley