“The Great Invitation”
Frank W.R. Benoit
Introduction – The famous 1963 movie, “The Great Escape” with Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough, James Garner, etc., tells the true WWII story of a Nazi POW camp for Allied soldiers, and how they plan a massive escape. In one scene, as they plan the details, Steve McQueen asks Richard Attenborough, “So how many you taking out?” (of the men in a section of barracks), to which he answers, “250.” All of them! An incredible amount! It would be the great escape because of its sheer size.
Jesus made His invitation of salvation to all the world as well!! It is not limited to a certain class, group or number, however large. Every person has been invited to come to Him! That’s “The Great Invitation”!! And today we’re going to see it in Matthew 11:25-30 in two parts:
1. Matt. 11:25-27. Jesus INSTRUCTS about the Father. The term “Father” appears 5 times directly as a noun, and 3 more times indirectly as a pronoun. That’s 8 times! Do you think Jesus is trying to say something about God the Father? It sure looks like it.
A. vv. 25-26 – Jesus PRAISES the Father for His amazing plan of salvation, done in His sovereignty (Rom. 11:33-36)
B. v. 27 – Jesus TEACHES that to have a personal relationship with the Father it is only through Jesus (John 14:6 or Acts 4:12).
Application: We should praise God the Father for His awesome salvation and recognize that it is effective exclusively through faith in Jesus.
2. Matt. 11:28-30. Jesus INVITES All to come to Him for salvation.
A. v. 28 – Jesus invites “all” to come to Him without distinction, there is no EXCEPTION to anyone who turns to Him (Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11)
B. vv. 29-30 – Jesus calls on all to submit to Him in obedience and take the RESPONSIBILITY of learning from Him.
Application: The consequences of sin weigh on us as a heavy burden and religious works make it heavier, but coming to Jesus makes it light.
Conclusion – Jesus extends “the Great Invitation” to everyone to come to Him for the only true, eternal rest and relief from the burden that sin has put on every human being. Accept Jesus’ invitation to “Come” for salvation rest from the heavy consequences of sin. That is the only real way to be freed from the burden of sin in our lives and find true rest for our soul. And the great invitation is open to all! Now we need to let everyone know it.