The Invitations Jesus Made: Embracing New Life Through Christ’s Call
When we study the invitations Jesus made, we see a Savior reaching out with compassion, clarity, and purpose. The Bible is filled with moments when Jesus Christ called people to step out of their old lives and embrace the Kingdom of God. These invitations weren’t just words but profound, life-changing calls that have echoed across centuries. Through His life and teachings, Jesus of Nazareth offered a new way to live, a path to eternal life, and a deeper relationship with the Son of God.
In this blog post, we will explore the invitations Jesus made, the significance of each, and how they continue to inspire us to embrace a new life in Him.
The First Invitation: Follow Me
One of Jesus’s first invitations was to Simon, Peter, and Andrew, as recorded in the New Testament. The invitation was for them to follow Him. Walking along the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw these fishermen casting their nets. His words to them were simple but filled with a profound invitation: โFollow me, and I will make you fishers of menโ (Matthew 4:19). This marked the start of a powerful ministry that would change lives and create a community of disciples who would carry the good news of Jesus into the world.
Follow me in Hebrew means to do as I do. Jesus was not merely asking Simon, Peter, and Andrew to follow Him but to do as He did. The phrase “follow me” calls each of us to leave behind our former way of life and take up a new purpose. It is the first and most personal invitation Jesus extends, urging us to become children of God. When Jesus calls us to follow Him, He invites us to learn from His ways and trust in His wisdom, a trust that can only be cultivated by spending a lot of time in prayer and studying Godโs Word.
Lily’s Story
Lily was just a teenager when she first heard the call to follow Jesus. Growing up, sheโd always felt there was something more to life, but the idea of Jesus as a friend, a guide, was new to her. One evening at a youth retreat, as she listened to a speaker talk about the love and compassion of Christ, something stirred deeply within her. She felt the weight of her strugglesโher insecurities, fears, and the pressures of fitting inโlifted as the speaker shared Jesus’ invitation: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” For Lily, it was a moment of clarity, a gentle but undeniable nudge that Jesus was calling her to a different way of life, one filled with hope and purpose.
Taking that first step to follow Jesus wasn’t easy for Lily. It meant letting go of old habits and friendships that werenโt healthy for her and embracing new ones that led her closer to God. Slowly, her life began to change. She found joy in the small, everyday moments and peace even in her hardest days. Jesus’ teachings became her guide, and she started each day with a prayer, seeking His presence. As she deepened her relationship with Him, Lily felt her heart soften. She began volunteering at her church, mentoring younger girls, and sharing the love she had found in Jesus. Following Him had given her life new meaning, and she embraced it with a gratitude that changed her completely.
Reflection
Your Initial Encounter with Jesus’ Invitation
- When did you first feel the invitation from Jesus to “follow Him”? Was it a specific moment, experience, or season of life?
- How did you interpret this invitation at first? Was it exciting, challenging, confusing, or something else?
Life Before Following Jesus
- What was your life like before you embraced Jesus’ invitation? Were there specific struggles, questions, or voids you felt?
- Did you feel any particular โcallingโ or โnudgingโ before you committed to following Him?
The Turning Point
- What changed in you or your circumstances that led you to say โyesโ to following Jesus?
- Were there specific Bible verses, words of encouragement, or people in your life who helped you in this decision?
Personal Challenges Along the Journey
- What were some of the biggest challenges or moments of doubt you encountered as you followed Jesus?
- How did Jesusโ teachings, prayer, or the Holy Spirit help you through these times?
Invitation to the Kingdom of Heaven
The invitation to โfollow meโ is an invitation into the Kingdom of Heaven; as previously discussed, following Jesus means doing as He did. In order to enter the kingdom of heaven, we need to become more like Jesus. Jesus didnโt offer a vague promise but rather the glory of God and the kingdom of God itself. Through this invitation, He promised eternal life and the opportunity to live as a child of God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
In LDS teachings, John 14:2, where Jesus speaks of “many mansions” in His Father’s house, refers to the concept of eternal progression and the different levels of glory that await individuals in the afterlife. This idea is further expanded in the Doctrine and Covenants, particularly in Section 76, which describes the three degrees of gloryโCelestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial Kingdoms. Each of these is considered a “mansion” or dwelling place in God’s eternal kingdom, with the Celestial Kingdom being the highest, reserved for those who have faithfully followed Jesus Christ and lived according to the principles of the gospel.
Hereโs how these “mansions” or degrees are commonly viewed in LDS doctrine:
1. Celestial Kingdom: This is the highest kingdom of glory, symbolized by the fullness of Godโs presence. It is where God the Father and Jesus Christ dwell, and where individuals who have lived a life of covenant-keeping, repentance, and righteousness can go. Those who enter the Celestial Kingdom are often thought to have the opportunity to continue growing and progressing, ultimately becoming more like Heavenly Father.
2. Terrestrial Kingdom: This is the middle kingdom, a place of great glory but without the fullness of Godโs presence. Those who lived honorable lives but did not fully embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ are believed to reside here. Itโs seen as a place for those who accepted Christโs teachings to some extent but did not fully commit.
3. Telestial Kingdom: This is the lowest kingdom of glory and is described as a place of honor and beauty but distant from the direct presence of God and Jesus Christ. Those who have not accepted Christ or repented but still receive His grace after a period of repentance and learning reside here.
The idea of “many mansions” thus reflects the variety and abundance of Godโs love. Every person will be placed in a kingdom suited to their choices and progression, ensuring that all are in a place where they feel at peace and in harmony with the will of God. The existence of these “many mansions” also emphasizes Godโs inclusivity and His desire for all His children to have a place prepared for them, no matter their individual journeys.
This scripture gives hope that God’s house truly has room for everyone and that eternal blessings are available to all of His children in ways uniquely suited to their choices and spiritual state.
While Jesus teaches us of the many mansions in His fathers’ Kingdom, the invitation has a second meaning, being one of bringing the spirit into your home and making it a divine order or stewardship.ย Doctrine and Covenants 88:119:
“Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”
This scripture speaks to the idea of creating a home that serves multiple purposes, reflecting various โkingdomsโ or aspects of spiritual and practical life. Each areaโprayer, fasting, faith, learning, glory, and orderโcan be thought of as a kingdom within the household, contributing to a balanced, spiritually-centered home.
Reflection
Changes in Daily Life and Perspective
- How did following Jesus transform your daily life, habits, or routines?
- Did your relationships, priorities, or life goals shift after accepting His invitation?
Personal Challenges Along the Journey
- What were some of the biggest challenges or moments of doubt you encountered as you followed Jesus?
- How did Jesusโ teachings, prayer, or the Holy Spirit help you through these times?
Moments of Deep Impact and Growth
- Were there particular moments where you felt Jesusโ presence or guidance profoundly change you?
- How has following Jesus impacted your character, purpose, or identity as a child of God?
Come to Me, All Who Are Weary
One of the most comforting invitations of Jesus is found in Matthew 11:28, where He says, โCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.โ Jesus spoke to the people who felt weighed down by the demands of life, offering them physical rest and peace for their souls. This is the invitation to lay down our struggles, acknowledging that we cannot carry them on our own power and accept the rest that only Jesus can provide.
I can testify of the peace He can bring in times of trouble. In a dark time when my marriage was on the rocks, and I was in despair, I turned to the scriptures and prayed for God’s wisdom. I dedicated most of my time every day to scripture and prayer and I felt the most deep peace I have ever encountered in my life.
Calebs Story
Caleb had always been the type to push through tough times on his own, confident he could handle whatever life threw at him. But when he lost his job unexpectedly, everything changed. Weeks turned into months, and every job application seemed to go unanswered. The financial stress mounted, and his self-worth began to crumble. He found himself lying awake at night, consumed by fear and doubt, wondering if heโd ever find his footing again.
One evening, feeling more hopeless than ever, Caleb took a walk to clear his head. He ended up at a small church he used to pass by every day without a second thought. Something about the quiet warmth inside drew him in, and he found himself sitting alone in the back pew, his head bowed. He whispered a prayer he wasnโt sure anyone would hear, pouring out his frustrations, fears, and regrets. It was in that stillness, surrounded by silence, that Caleb felt something he hadnโt felt in a long timeโa profound sense of peace.
As he sat there, a verse came to his mind from years before, one heโd heard but hadnโt truly understood: *โCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.โ* Caleb felt an inexplicable lightness as if his burdens were lifted from his shoulders. At that moment, he knew he didnโt have to carry it alone; Jesus was there. Caleb left the church with a renewed sense of hope, knowing that no matter what lay ahead, he wasnโt walking through it alone. And for the first time in a long time, he was at peace.
This profound invitation addresses those who are โheavy ladenโ and need relief. Jesus’ model for life was not one of constant busyness or perfection but rather a journey of trust and surrender to the name of Jesus. When we accept this invitation, we find peace beyond what the world offersโa peace that the Holy Ghost instills in our hearts.
Reflection:
Experiencing Transformation Through Jesus’ Love
- How has Jesusโ love helped you understand yourself and others more compassionately?
- Have you seen His love impact your ability to forgive, serve, or love others?
Impact on Relationships with Others
- How has your journey impacted your relationships with family, friends, or your church community?
- Have you been able to encourage others to consider Jesusโ invitation because of your own experience?
Invitation to Drink From His Living Waters
We find another significant word of invitation in the story of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the well.
Jesus spoke to the Samaritan women of a different kind of water, one that would quench their deepest thirstโnot just for a day, but forever. He said, โEveryone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirstโ (John 4:13-14). The water that Jesus offers flows not from the ground but from the heart. It brings peace, hope, and joy that canโt be exhausted, even in the driest times. He Believe in Me, and rivers of living water will flow from within you
Here, Jesus invites us to drink from the well of His Spirit, the living water that leads to eternal life. This interaction teaches us that a personal relationship with Jesus quenches a thirst that nothing else can satisfy. This conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman shows us the invitation Jesus made to look beyond temporary comforts and place our trust in Him for a renewed, eternal life. This invitation also extends to everyone, regardless of background or past mistakes, offering a transformative path toward newness of life in the kingdom of heaven.
Before I went back to Christianity in my late 30s, I was seeking God in Eastern religions, but I never felt satisfied. There was always this internal void I was trying to fill with a connection from God. It wasn’t until I went back to church that this void was fulfilled. I was looking for God in all the wrong places. Heavenly Father places that void inside our souls to that we crave and seek Him on order to learn and follow in His ways so that we may have eternal life with Him.
Reflection
Reflecting on the idea of drinking from Jesus’ “waters of life” can deepen our understanding of His teachings and draw us closer to Him. Here are some thoughtful questions for personal reflection or group discussion:
What does “living water” mean to me personally?
Consider what spiritual nourishment or refreshment looks like in your own life and how it might differ from physical or worldly needs.
How can I recognize when I am spiritually “thirsty”?
What are the signs in my life that show I need Jesus’ living waterโsuch as feelings of emptiness, weariness, or lack of purpose?
In what ways have I sought satisfaction in “other waters” that don’t truly fulfill?
Reflect on ways you may have tried to find contentment outside of Jesus’ teachings and love and how those experiences compared to the peace He offers.
How can I actively “drink” from Jesus’ living water each day?
- What practices, like prayer, scripture study, or service, help you stay connected to Jesus and regularly draw upon His living water?
What difference has Jesus’ living water made in my life?
- Reflect on any changes youโve noticed in your peace, joy, or relationships since choosing to follow Jesus and accepting His teachings.
How can I invite others to partake in this living water?
- Consider how you might share the peace and fulfillment youโve found in Jesus with others who may feel spiritually thirsty or lost.
Am I willing to drink from Jesus’ living water, even if it challenges me?
- Jesus’ teachings sometimes require us to make changes in our lives. Are there areas where you’re hesitant to fully “drink” from His well, perhaps due to fears or personal sacrifice?
What would a life look like that is fully satisfied in Jesus?
- Imagine and journal about a life where you feel completely nourished and fulfilled by Jesus’ living waterโwhat would change about your priorities, relationships, and sense of purpose?
How can I keep my heart open to receiving more of Jesus’ living water?
- Reflect on practices or attitudes that help you stay open to Godโs guidance, letting His love continually renew and strengthen you.
Invitation to Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me
Jesusโ invitation to โtake up your cross and follow meโ (Matthew 16:24) is both challenging and powerful. This invitation calls for a personal commitment that goes beyond belief, asking for a daily, lived-out expression of faith in Christ. Here, we are called to surrender our desires and align our lives with the example of Christ.
Following Jesus doesnโt mean living without trials; it means embracing challenges with faith and carrying out good deeds as disciples of all nations. Through this invitation, Jesus calls us to become fishers of men who spread the good news and impact lives. Itโs about a lifelong commitment to follow His teachings, even in difficult times, showing that we are truly dedicated to the Christian life.
What Following Jesus Means to You Now
- How would you describe the impact Jesusโ invitation has on your life today?
- In what ways do you continue to grow in your relationship with Him?
Words of Encouragement for Others
- For those considering Jesusโ invitation to follow Him, what advice or encouragement would you offer based on your experience?
- Are there specific prayers, scriptures, or insights youโd like to share with others on a similar journey?
Invitation to the Lordโs Supper
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus extended an invitation to His disciples during the Last Supper. He took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, saying, โThis is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of meโ (Luke 22:19). Through this, Jesus invites us to remember His sacrifice and to find renewal in our faith as we reflect on His life, death, and resurrection.
By participating in the sacrament, we are reminded of our union with Jesus and each other as children of God. This invitation is more than a ritual; it is a continual renewal of our commitment to live as followers of Christ and seek the strength of the Holy Spirit.
Reflection
Reflecting on the Last Supper can provide profound insights into Jesus’ mission, His love for His disciples, and the significance of the Atonement. Here are some meaningful questions to guide you in contemplating this sacred event:
What does the Last Supper teach me about Jesus’ love and sacrifice?
- How does His willingness to serve and even wash His disciples’ feet shape my understanding of Christ’s love and humility?
How do I experience or participate in Jesus’ sacrifice in my own life?
- Consider what it means for you to remember His sacrifice in your everyday actions, prayers, and worship.
In what ways can I practice the humility that Jesus showed His disciples at the Last Supper?
- How can His example of service influence my relationships with others, especially those I am called to serve?
What does the concept of covenant mean to me as I reflect on the Last Supper?
- The Last Supper symbolizes a new covenant with God through Jesus. How do I honor and keep my own covenants with Him?
How would I feel if I knew it was my last meal with loved ones?
- Consider the emotions Jesus might have felt and what He prioritized in that moment. How might this influence the way you spend time with those you love?
How can I remember Jesus’ sacrifice more deeply in my daily life?
- Reflect on ways to keep the spirit of the Last Supper present in your daily decisions, perhaps through gratitude, mindfulness, or intentional acts of love.
In what ways do I seek to forgive and show mercy, as Jesus did during the Last Supper?
- Jesus forgave even those who would betray and abandon Him. How can I follow His example by extending forgiveness to those who may have hurt me?
Jesus’s Invitation to Do Missionary Work
Jesusโ final words to His disciples contained an invitation and a mission: โGo and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spiritโ (Matthew 28:19). This invitation to share the gospel with all people is a call for us to be active participants in spreading the good news.
This invitation Jesus made at the end of His ministry was one of the most significant calls, challenging His followers to take what they had learned and carry it to the ends of the earth. We are called to extend this invitation to others, guiding them to the renewing life center that is found in Christ Jesus.
We don’t need to be on a full time mission in order to do missionary work. Here are 10 examples of simple, daily acts of missionary work that can make a difference in sharing the gospel and showing Christlike love:
1. Share a Scripture or Uplifting Message on Social Media
Post a scripture, quote, or thought about your faith that may resonate with others, offering a gentle introduction to gospel principles.
2. Reach Out to a Friend or Acquaintance
Send a friendly message to someone, asking how theyโre doing or offering support. This opens doors for deeper connections and often leads to sharing faith.
3. Offer a Simple Prayer for Someone in Need
Pray for friends, neighbors, or anyone you know going through a tough time. If appropriate, let them know you prayed for themโit can bring comfort and introduce the power of prayer.
4. Display Gospel Art or Materials in Your Home
Invite others to notice your faith by displaying pictures, quotes, or books related to the gospel in visible places around your home.
5. Share a Book of Mormon or a Favorite Faith-Based Book
If you feel prompted, gift someone a copy of the Book of Mormon or a meaningful religious book, along with a note about why itโs special to you.
6. Wear or Display Symbols of Your Faith
Wearing a symbol of faith, such as a CTR ring, necklace, or bracelet, can invite curiosity or conversations with those around you. We have a range of faith based apparel in our online store.
7. Extend a Kind Invitation to Church or an Activity
If thereโs a local church event, fireside, or activity, casually invite someone to join you. Simple invitations can open doors without feeling pressured.
8. Look for Opportunities to Serve
Acts of serviceโwhether helping a neighbor, offering a listening ear, or lending a handโcan show Christlike love and often lead to opportunities to share the gospel.
9. Share a Meal or Treat with a Spiritual Thought
Bake cookies or prepare a small treat for someone with a short, uplifting note or scripture to brighten their day and share a bit of the gospel.
10. Express Gratitude Openly
Show gratitude for blessings and miracles in your life, especially when in conversation. It can inspire others to recognize Godโs hand in their lives too.
These small acts of kindness and faith are a way to invite others to feel the love of Christ without pressure. Each one reflects the light of the gospel and opens doors for meaningful spiritual conversations.
Accepting the Invitations of Jesus in Our Lives Today
Jesus’ invitations continue to resonate because they arenโt just historical events; theyโre invitations we can accept in our lives today. Each callโwhether to follow Him, seek rest, take up our cross, or abide in Himโinvites us into a life marked by faith, love, and eternal purpose.
Jesusโ invitation to new life is the ultimate gift. As we accept His call, we open our lives to the Holy Spirit and find a path leading to eternal life. In following the Son of God, we discover our true identity as children of God and become part of His redemptive work on earth.
Whether youโre new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, His invitations remain open. Take time to respond to them daily, allowing His words to guide your journey. As we answer these calls, we grow in the light of life, sharing the good news and glorifying God through our lives.
Conclusion
The invitations Jesus made are the foundation of the Christian life. They arenโt just words from the past; they are living calls that invite each of us into a deeper relationship with Jesus. From the call to follow Him to the promise of rest for the weary, each invitation from Jesus Christ opens the door to newness of life in Him.
Jesus calls us to leave behind our former way of life and step into a life filled with purpose, love, and eternal hope. As we follow His words and seek to live in the example of Christ, we come to understand the fullness of the glory of God and the incredible gift of being part of His kingdom.
This journey begins with a simple response to the invitations Jesus made. Will you say yes to His call?
Vanessa Rooney.
LDS Mum
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