Invitation, it could be the most important aspect of any good work, including Jesus ministry. A great invitation is not singular. A great invitation is layered. It is ongoing. It is complete.
Too often our invitations fall short of this. It is for a single event a single moment and then it is done. I am not sure why we default to this, perhaps it’s because of the perceived busyness of people. We are “busy” or at least we think we are. Perhaps it is simply stress and anxiety causing us to feel busier than we are! More on that another day!
A great invitation is paramount. It is not singular, it is layered and it is ongoing. Consider with me Peter. Peter was first invited by his brother Andrew to meet Jesus. Then Jesus brings depth, another layer, with an invitation to Peter to come and follow. Jesus continue’s to layer this invitation with statements and questions and commissions that I am sure Peter isn’t always comfortable with. This continual invitation to Peter is quickly transforming this Fisherman.
Fast forward, we read of Peter and the disciples fishing. Jesus shows up, after he has risen, and suggests that they cast their nets on the other side. They catch a huge amount of fish. Splash, Peter is in the water swimming to Jesus. On the shore, after breakfast, Jesus invited Peter to serve and then maybe the hardest, deepest invitation Peter receives from Jesus.
‘“I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”’ John 21:18-19
Christs Invitation to Peter has come full circle with the words, “Follow me.” We see Peter’s invitation to know Christ, to follow Christ, to serve Christ. We see layers of each part throughout Peter’s life.
Your invitation is no different. It is full of layers. Reflect on Jesus most recent layer of His invitation to you today.
