Invitation to Life

He is not here! He has Risen! He has Risen Indeed! Say it with me… He is not here! He has Risen! He has Risen Indeed! This is our reality today! He has risen! Have you ever received an invitation? How did it make you feel? Perhaps an invitation to a wedding? The possible enjoyment of watching two people come before God and pledge their love to one another. Or at least, the invitation to come to a wedding for the food.

I might not know them couple, but knowing that free food is involved, that excites me. Right.. everyone likes free food. Maybe an invitation to go to a birthday party? This week Abby had two birthday invitations. One, I went with her and it was a Mario Brothers theme for a girl in her class and we had an amazing time at the movie theatre watching the new Mario movie, playing games and eating snacks.

And the other was a girl in her class that had her party at a sports complex. We had a great time… and we also had plenty of snacks to eat. I truly believe that invitations are amazing gateways into meaningful relationships. Think about it.… How did it make you feel when someone else invited you to something? Maybe it was an invitation for job interview?

The feeling of newness or new possibilities. The feeling that your experience and skills are being recognized. or an invitation into a relationship or a friendship, The feeling of being included and that you don’t need to walk this adventure alone. Invitations are generally moments where others are requesting for us to go somewhere or for us to do something, but often these invitation doesn’t call for us to experience it alone.

When we receive an invitation, we're being recognized and chosen by someone who sees value in us, even if the invitation is to help them move. Their valuing our strong biceps and back. Many times, I believe, somewhere in all of us, we all want to be part of something bigger than ourselves, but we don’t know how or we don’t feel included, or maybe sometimes we just don’t feel appreciated or wanted.

I can’t tell you how many times, I wished someone would have just invited me to something… but they never did. And How, those moments often felt lonely and I felt left out. But one thing I do know, that’s not Christianity. All throughout the gospels, we see this main thread of invitation to come and see, is constantly being extended to those being invited. And we see that in every moment this invitation is extended, it brings with it an opportunity for not only faith, but also opportunity for growth and relationship with those God brings into our life.

Today grab your Bible or Bible app and turn with me to Matthew chapter 28:1 Today we celebrate the day in which Death was Arrested. Today we celebrate the morning that the stone was rolled away and the morning that a vacancy sign was placed on the borrowed tomb. Just three days earlier the body of Jesus Christ had been placed in this tomb. The tomb had been sealed with an incredibly large stone, sealed by the Roman authorities and guarded.

Three days have passed since the burial and everything has changed. Everything has changed! And at the ore of this change, this, something different we find ourselves in the midst of yet, another invitation. At the core of every invitation we learn that… , “The most fulfilling journey begins with a simple invitation to come and see.”. After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” This is Matthew’s account of the resurrection. Mary and Mary, which sounds like some sort psychedelic 1970’s record album cover.

These two women were on their way to anoint the body of Jesus and found themselves before an angel on the morning of the resurrection. And, to their surprise, the angel extends a simple invitation to Mary and Mary… he says, Jesus is not here…come and see…. That’s the phrase I want to zero in on because it’s the phrase that sets in motion so many amazing moments of faith when we hear the invitation into this journey.

First, notice what the angel said, He simply said, come. To come means to move towards something. It’s like when my hunting dog Chester is out in the field, and I motion with my hand, palm open with the command to come, he knows that means to move towards me. But it’s more than just a command, he knows it means relationship and he comes with trust. It also means reward.

Often I reward this behavior with some sort of treat, or pet, or verbal reward, like good boy. "The truth is, without Chester making the decision to accept the invitation to approach, there would be no action.” And in our story, Mary and Mary could have ran away at that moment. But in this moment, Mary and Mary had courage. They heard the invitation and they took a chance to witness something amazing.

We find this truth to come and see all throughout the gospel when it comes to having faith. Faith is simply hearing the invitation to trust in Jesus, and then walking in His Presence. I wanna show you that this morning… First, turn with me to Matthew 4:19. Every one who would say they are followers of Jesus, begins faith like Peter and Andrew. Many times, we’re just living life. We’re working, taking care of our families, and going through real world problems.

Let’s just be reminded of that… just because this was back 2,000 years ago doesn’t mean the early disciples didn’t deal with hurt, or disappointment , or sin, or lack of love towards one another, or fear, or any other kind of emotion… And in this moment, Jesus calls out the early disciples to drop their everyday life and to come, follow him. Look, Jesus says,“Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Here we find that word “come”.

It’s the same Greek word as with Mary and Mary.. it means Deu’te. To come, or to come now. It’s a word that invites the hearer to come near. Every person in faith is met with that same kind of invitation, to simply come near.. and to follow. Have you ever noticed that to follow doesn’t mean to be dragged? Right? Jesus isn’t chaining us to faith and dragging us. Why not instead of luring people, we allured them with authentic radical love and conversation.

Think about it, the early disciples, chose to drop their old life behind and follow Jesus freely. But What if they didn’t? What if, Peter in his arrogance said no, I have work to do? I don’t have time for you teacher.… I dunno what could of happened. I’m glad he decided to be in conversation, because otherwise there could have been no relationship, and there would be no 1st and 2nd Peter letters.

Before any great relationship can ever begin, it begins with being invited to and being willing to be in conversation. In Matthew 4:19, it represents a fresh start, a new beginning in life as a disciple of Jesus. For all of us, our faith began when we we’re willing to be in conversation. Through the Holy Spirit, and grace and by doing life with one another. Just being here today, in this congregation and listening online, you’re saying, I’m willing to be in the conversation.

Now, whether or not you respond that’s up to you. You see, "Invitations are more than just an offer, Invitations are a recognition of value and a call into intimacy. Can you imagine if you’ve never invited someone into your life? When Alicia and I began by calling one another, We both were looking for relationship. Then I invited her into marriage, I wanted to take this conversation into a relationship, and then 18 years we keep inviting each other every day in this amazing relationship we call life.

I can’t imagine doing life without her in it, and it has only deepened because we both desire to stay in the conversation with one another. Everyrtng we have experience in our 18 years of marriage, all began with the first invitation to come. What about you? Have you made that commitment yet? Have you looked at the brothers and sisters in this room right now, and made a commitment to invite them into a conversation?

No real relationship grows without a meaningful invitation to be in the conversation with one another. It’s the same with our faith. Have you ever felt a tug on your heart, calling you to something more, or even deeper? What’s holding you back? For us, we say that’s prevenient grace tugging on your heart to know Jesus. And You’ll never know Jesus if you’ve never responded to the initial invitation for conversation.

Now, maybe you’ve already accepted that invitation. You see, invitation not only leads us into conversation, but also into active participation. The second moment of "come" is found in Matthew 14:29. This was the moment Peter had decided to follow Jesus, and now his faith was being tested. The storm was raging all around him, and he sees a silloiute coming towards them, and he simply asked, “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” So Jesus says, Come,”.

There is that word again, Deu’te Jesus invites Peter to come out of the boat and to walk on water with him, and Peter responds in faith, stepping out of his comfort zone and onto the waves. This is where faith meets trust. This is a moment of testing and courage. This is a moment where, the ongoing conversation calls us beyond what we can understand. Think for moment, all the moments you know of in the Bible where it didn’t make sense, but by faith someone stepped out.

Moses leading people into the wilderness. What do we eat, what do we drink? Noah building a boat in the dessert… Being mocked and ridiculed by others. and now, Peter walking on water. Just as our initial decision to come and follow Jesus requires a commitment to growth and obedience, so too does our ongoing journey of faith present us with opportunities to step out of our comfort zones and deepen our trust in him.

The truth we learn is, “You cannot expect to walk on water if you're not willing to get out of the boat.” It takes risk.. Just like staying in the conversation when someone hurts you. You see, forgiveness is risky.. it’s risky because real Christ like forgiveness takes real Christ like love. it takes trust but it also leads us to see that it takes encouragement. and we should actively see that being lived out in our fellowship and community.

One thing, I think we forget about the story of Peter walking on water, is that teaches us that our faith is not a solitary journey, but rather one that is lived out in community with other believers. Because you see, th other disciples were there… Jesus was there… Yes Peter was the only one who stepped out, and many times that’s what you see in a Christian community…. We marvel at the one person stepping out…

It’s very rare to have a christian community in todays church, where every person is a step out to walk on water kind of faith. Max Lucado said, "We are not called to walk on water alone, but to walk with Jesus and with one another.” I want to remind you this easter season, that just like weddings, the invitation is to come celebrate with the groom and bride, but it’s also with those who were invited as well.

But the issue is, many times, we dont know the other guest. And many times, we’re int he same room where we’re hurt by others… How many times have you gone to a place where you’re invited and there’s someone who you don’t like is there?. You see, when we are invited into conversation, and into participation, were gonna get hurt by others sometimes. Ideas aren’t always going to be welcomed.

Words aren’t always going to be soothing and encouraging. We need to remember that Sometimes, not every person in church has sanctified thier our old life, and it rears it’s face sometimes and we say or do something that has the potential to hurt someone else. How do we handle those moments in community? Look with me in John chapter 21 at the next moment we see Jesus say, come. Peter, going through the heart ache of the crucifixion and death of Jesus while also knowing that he had denied Jesus.

He said he wouldn’t let Jesus die. But Jeuss died. he said he would go to death to protect Jesus… but instead, when the moment came, he denied Jesus and ran away. Once, confident Peter, in front of all of his friends was a fraud. He didn’t do what he said he was going to do. In that moment, to Peter, he failed, and I believe he felt that the relationship was broken…

not because of Jesus… but because he had failed to live up the kind of faith he was boasting about in front of the other disciples. Many times we do that in church. We try to dress Christian We speak the lingo, using words like blessed and holy. We act holy and loving. I wonder at times.. can there be Christians in churches today that boast a holy Christ driven life, but when others find out they aren’t living that life, can they become embarrassed?

What do we do in those moments? Do we, make fun of them? Do we, drive them away and cast them away? Do we, point our fingers and call them names, like your unchrist like, or your worthless.. NO! We invite them back into the conversation to seek out reconciliation. We bring them back into community with Jesus. James tells us that when a brother or sister begins to wonder from the truth, we’re to help turn them from thier error.

Peter leaves and He goes back fishing… he goes back into his old life. Now, watch what happens in John 21.. verse 7.. “Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.” Peter doesn’t take any chances.

Two reminders here… First, The disciples that Jesus loved, which was John.. Peter wasn’t going to let John beat him to Jesus this time… And two, because Peter knew from times before that if it was Jesus on the shore… Jesus always invites others into restoration. And when Peter gets to shore, here’s Jesus’s invitation to all the disciples in verse 12…“Come and have breakfast.” In jewish culture, eating around a table was a significant part of their relationship with one another.

It is a sacred act of hospitality and it was seen as an opportunity for people to come together and build relationships. But it’s also an opportunity where everyone is equal and sharing a meal leads to those at the table to receive reconciliation. Peter needed it the most in that moment, but I am sure all of the disciples needed to be there. I love that thought.. think about it…

Not only did Peter need forgives and reconciliation But Jesus also brought all the disciples around that fire and offered them to come, and eat. From the first chapter, to the final chapter, we constantly see Jesus inviting guest, sinners and saints to the table of grace, and he shares a meal with them. It’s a simple invitation to come, and everyone who’s willing to come and sit, has received the same invitation to be near Jesus.

Just as Jesus restored fellowship with his disciples, we are called to seek reconciliation and forgiveness with others as well. The Apostle Paul wrote, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” You see church: the reason , “The most fulfilling journey begins with a simple invitation to come and see.” Is because this simple invitation, to come, is what opens the door that leads us to Jesus.

It leads us from a simple conversation, into faithful participation, which involves daily reconciliation and it’s made available to you and me all because of the Resurrection. When Mary and Mary came to the tomb to hear the angel say, Come and See, he was inviting those two hurting hearts, into the conversation of seeing Jesus Glorified. He is not here! He, has risen…. He has risen indeed.

I want you to listen to your heart right now, and hear the words of Jesus saying to you, Come. Jesus says, time has come,” “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” He says: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Every one of us, has a physical invitation in our hand, and every one of us is somewhere on this spectrum of faith.

We’re either, 1) Just first hearing Jesus saying come Follow, for the first time. To walk away from our old life, to leave it behind and to come, follow Jesus on this journey called, Faith. He’s calling you into a conversation… 2) or we’re hearing Jesus say, come, test your faith, Step out by faith. Step out of the comfort of the boat.. and let the circumstance your in, build character and endurance.

So that you can do even greater things. ”God is always more interested in our character than our comfort, and he will use the storms of life to shape us into the people he wants us to be." 3) or perhaps.. you need to hear Jesus say, Come, and eat and be reconciled. Many times, what we need to do is let go of our bitterness, our hate, or our pride, so that we can truly embrace Jesus….

Just remember, God’s grace is on display to His people through Jesus Christ. Jesus’s Grace always allows for a full embrace. When Christians truly embrace the Gospel – they begin to be Jesus to everyone everywhere! All these moments are readily made a reality because of the blood shed on the cross for you and me… The communion Supper, this table is a means of grace in which Christ is present by the Spirit.

It is to be received in reverent appreciation and gratefulness for the work of Christ. Church, All those who are truly repentant, forsaking their sins, and believing in Christ for salvation are invited to participate in the death and resurrection of Christ. We COME to the table that we may be renewed in life and salvation and be made one by the Spirit. The bread, is the reminder of the body broken for you and for me, The juice, is the reminder of the blood shed for the forgiveness of sins, for you and for me It’s all offered here by invitation, waiting for participation, asking if there needs to be reconciliation.

What will you do, with your invitation? It’s up to you…. Would you consider, like Mary and Mary, to COME AND SEE for yourself, what a life of resurrected faith is like? *