Jesus extends an invitation that requires more than mere acknowledgment—it calls for surrender, faith, and humility. As we examine His words in Luke 4, we’ll ask ourselves: Are we truly reading the invitation? Do we understand what He’s offering?
REVIEW: The Invitation is for Those Who Recognize Their Need for Jesus
- READ: Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”
- DISCUSS: What are the areas in your life where you struggle to acknowledge your need for Jesus?
REVIEW: The Invitation is to Sacrificially Serve Jesus with Faith
- READ: 1 Kings 17:13-16 “Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!”
- DISCUSS: What does it look like to serve Jesus sacrificially, even when you feel like you have little to offer?
REVIEW: The Invitation Requires a Humble Inward Journey
- READ: 2 Kings 5:10-11, 14 “But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy.”
But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” …So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his skin became as healthy as the skin of a young child, and he was healed. - DISCUSS: What keeps you from fully embracing the healing and transformation Jesus offers?
REVIEW: The Danger of Missing the Invitation
- READ: Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’”
- DISCUSS: How can we ensure that we don’t misunderstand or ignore Jesus’ invitation in our own lives?
ASK:
What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?
PRAY:
Father, thank You for inviting us into Your kingdom. Forgive us when we overlook our need for You or resist Your call to surrender. Teach us to trust You completely, to serve with faith, and to humbly receive Your transformation. Open our hearts to truly read the invitation and respond with obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
INVITATION TO RESPOND
Take time this week to reflect on Jesus’ invitation. Ask yourself: Where do I need His provision? How can I step out in faith to serve? Where do I need humility to receive His healing? Commit to taking one step toward fully embracing His invitation.