The Invitation to Come

“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:37-38

There is an open invitation for each one of us to respond to, and that invitation is from Jesus as He calls us to "come."

The Bible is actually full of Jesus’ invitations to come—offering rest, salvation, and fellowship to all who will respond. His call is open, personal, and life-changing.

No matter where you are in your life journey, Jesus extends His hand, inviting you into something greater than this world can offer. Today, let's look at four of these personal invitations to come.

1. Jesus Invites Us to Find Rest in Him
   Life is exhausting. The weight of responsibilities, struggles, and worries can be overwhelming. But Jesus offers rest—not just physical relief, but deep, soul-refreshing rest.
   
   “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-30 
   
   Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him and experience true rest. Not a temporary escape, but a lasting peace that refreshes our spirit.
   
   “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:37-38
   
   His invitation is not just to ease our burdens but to satisfy our deepest thirst with the living water that brings abundant life.
   
   
2. Jesus Invites Us into Salvation
   More than rest, Jesus offers salvation—a gift that is free and available to all who accept Him.
   
   “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never cast out.” John 6:37
   
   No one who comes to Jesus will ever be turned away. His arms are always open, ready to embrace those who seek Him.
   
   “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” Rev. 22:17
   
   His invitation is for everyone, and the price has already been paid.
   
   “Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.” Matthew 22:9
   
   Jesus likens salvation to a great wedding feast, where all who accept His invitation are welcomed with joy.
   
   
3. Jesus Invites Us to Follow Him
   Salvation is just the beginning. Jesus calls us not just to believe, but to follow Him wholeheartedly.
   
   “And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” Matthew 4:19
   
   To follow Jesus means to be transformed and to share His love with others.
   
   “He said to them, ‘Come and you will see.’” John 1:39
   
   The more we walk with Jesus, the more we see who He truly is.
   
   “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” Luke 9:23
   
   Following Jesus requires surrender, commitment, and a willingness to trust Him fully.
   
   
4. Jesus Invites Us into Eternal Life
   The greatest invitation of all is the promise of eternity with Him.
   
   “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:3
   
   Jesus is preparing a place for us—an eternal home where we will be with Him forever.
   
   In the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24), Jesus tells of a grand feast where many refuse to come, but the invitation is extended to the broken and outcast. This is a picture of God’s grace—He welcomes all who are willing to accept His call.
   
   ​Jesus’ invitation to eternal life requires a response:

• Come with faith – Believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior. (John 3:16)
• Come with repentance – Turn from sin and follow Him. (Acts 3:19)
• Come with surrender – Lay down your burdens and receive His rest. (Matthew 11:28)
• Come with expectation – He has prepared a place for you. (John 14:3)

Jesus’ invitation to "come" is wide open—to the weary, the lost, the sinner, and the seeking soul. 

How will you respond to Jesus’ invitation to come—whether for rest, salvation and eternal life, or a deeper fellowship with Him?