Extending An Invitation!

As we noted yesterday, Jesus extended a special invitation for Matthew to leave his occupation as a tax collector and follow Him. Matthew accepted that invitation. Then Matthew extended an invitation to Jesus.
“And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.” ( Matthew 9:10 ESV)

Jesus received criticism for having accepted the invitation, but there He was along with the “tax collectors and sinners” Matthew had invited into his home. It has been suggested Matthew held this banquet as a farewell to his associates. Luke’s account ( Luke 5:29) tells us this great feast was made for Jesus. Jesus was the honored guest in Matthew’s home. Based on Luke ’s statement I see Matthew as having a desire for those he had invited to have an opportunity to MEET JESUS and listen to what He had to say.

Who would we have invited? Would we have been inclined to invite the good friends we thought Jesus might be impressed with or would we be mindful also of those who might be less than friends and in need of meeting Him to hear the life changing words we had received? If Jesus is the HONORED GUEST in our life, we are to invite others to come to MEET HIM. As we hold out the truth of salvation in Jesus, we need to guard against prejudging whom we think will be receptive and who will not. As in our Lord’s parable of the sower ( Matthew 13) we are to sow seeds of truth as we go through life so that as those seeds fall on fertile hearts, fruit will be borne. By our own perception we might not recognize beforehand where that seed will germinate.

Let us remember the invitation we have received; the opportunity to come to KNOW JESUS and receive the salvation He came to provide. As we rejoice over the opportunity we have had, our appreciation is best revealed by our continuing to hold that invitation out to those around us. May the manner in which we live our daily lives and the words that we speak reveal the Lord truly abides in our life as the HONORED GUEST so that we may draw others to Him.

Have a great day INTRODUCING OTHERS TO THE LORD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Evangelism