The Power of an Invitation: Come and See
Pastor Victoria Sowell
Have you ever felt torn between the excitement of an invitation and the comfort of your own routine? We all have different reactions when invited to something new. Whether you're an extrovert who thrives on last-minute plans or an introvert who needs time to mentally prepare, invitations have the power to stir something within us. But what if I told you that a simple invitation could change someone's life forever? In this article, we'll explore the transformative power of an invitation, inspired by the Sunday morning message from Pastor Victoria Sowell. Check out the full message on YouTube above.
Embracing the Challenge
As we embark on the journey of the “21 Days to Change Your Life” challenge, Pastor Victoria encourages us to consider the impact of our invitations. This challenge isn't just about personal growth; it's about extending the invitation to others to join us on this journey of transformation. The question posed to us is simple yet profound: What would happen if we gave God 21 days to change our lives? It's a challenge worth accepting, and it starts with a simple invitation.
The Story of Philip and Nathanael
In the Gospel of John, we encounter the story of Jesus calling his disciples, particularly Philip and Nathanael. When Philip excitedly tells Nathanael about Jesus, Nathanael responds with skepticism, asking, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Despite Nathanael's doubts, Philip extends a humble invitation: "Come and see."
43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” - John 1:43-46
This simple invitation sets in motion a series of events that lead Nathanael to encounter Jesus in a profound way.
The Freedom in Invitation
Philip's invitation teaches us a valuable lesson: we don't need to have all the answers or be perfect evangelists to extend an invitation. Instead of getting caught up in theological debates or trying to convince others, we can simply invite them to experience Jesus for themselves. There's freedom in realizing that we're not responsible for the outcome; our role is to extend the invitation with genuine care and love.
Knowing and Being Known
Following Philip’s invitation to Nathanael to “come and see”, Nathanael follows and encounters Jesus:
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” - John 1:47-50
One of the most powerful aspects of Jesus' encounter with Nathanael is the revelation that Jesus saw him even before Philip's invitation. Jesus knows us intimately, seeing into the depths of our hearts and understanding our struggles and doubts. This knowledge brings comfort and reassurance, reminding us that we are never alone. When we extend invitations to others, we're inviting them into a relationship with a God who sees and knows them completely.
Trusting in God's Work
As we navigate the journey of invitation, it's essential to trust in God's transformative work in the lives of those we invite. We may feel inadequate or unsure of how our invitation will be received, but we can trust that Jesus is actively at work in the hearts of others. Our role is simply to be obedient in extending the invitation, knowing that God will ultimately reveal Himself to those who seek Him.
The Cycle of Invitation
The biblical model of invitation follows a simple yet profound cycle:
Come and See (Our invitation to others - Our responsibility)
Follow Me (Jesus’s invitation - His responsibility)
Go and Tell (How we respond to Jesus’s invitation)
Just as Philip invited Nathanael to come and see Jesus, we have the opportunity to invite others into a life-changing encounter with Christ. As they respond to the invitation and begin to follow Jesus, they, in turn, are called to go and tell others about the transformative power they've experienced.
Responding to the Challenge
As we reflect on the message of invitation, we're challenged to consider who we will invite to experience Jesus. Whether it's a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor, there are people in our lives who are longing for the hope and love that only Jesus can provide. As we embark on the 21 Days to Change Your Life challenge, let's prayerfully consider who God is calling us to invite and step out in faith, trusting that He will work in miraculous ways.
Further Reading
For further exploration of the power of invitation and evangelism, check out these resources:
Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus by Kyle Idleman
The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door by Jay Pathak & Dave Runyon
Other Links
Want to hear more? Check out last week's message titled, "A Challenge to Change Your Life" on YouTube by Pastor Kyle Veach.
Looking for additional resources? Visit our resources page for helpful tools, studies, and more.