The Open Invitation (Title is link to sermon)
This is part two of the "Not a Fan" series by Kyle Idleman.
Have you ever seen one of those car dealership commercials that says, “Anyone can buy a car here!”
But then you look at the fine print at the bottom of the screen and see that “Anyone” really means the people who pass their credit check? Even when the ad said, "No credit check."
Have you ever tried to get a special deal on a cell phone plan you saw a commercial for, and the commercial claimed this new deal was for anyone, only to be told that discount only applies to a new customer?
There’s always a catch, isn’t there?
In Luke 9:23, Jesus says, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
When making the invitation to potential followers, Jesus invites “Anyone.”
Anyone Is Welcome
But over the years, we’ve gotten to the point that even when we hear Jesus say anyone we think, “Yeah right. What’s the catch?”
There’s no catch. No small print. No hidden fees. It’s all laid out in that verse, and it’s open to “Anyone.”
And when Jesus said “Anyone,” the crowds would have looked at his disciples and known that He meant it!
You see, Jesus changed the system, especially when he invited a tax collector to be a follower! That was unheard of during those times.
So when word gets out about a new rabbi who is picking out followers at random, people start to wonder what’s up.
They come to hear from this incredible teacher named Jesus, but when they look at his disciples, they must have been confused.
They must have shaken their heads and thought, “These are his students?
They are nobodies!
Praise the Lord, I AM A NOBODY! Amen?
But then Jesus makes the invitation, and when people hear that anyone can come learn from this incredible rabbi, I’m sure they started to entertain the idea.
He really means ANYONE!
But even though He makes his invitation to anyone, He also guarantees that it will cost you everything.
Are you ready to take up your cross?
Are you willing to follow Jesus?
The invitation is open to ANYONE!
Comments
Amen