Exploring the Four Invitations of Jesus: A Journey of Spiritual Formation
Matthew 5:44: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
In the realm of spiritual formation, understanding the model and teachings of Jesus Christ holds paramount importance.
Matthew 11:28–30: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
In this academic post, we will explore how Jesus’ model, as depicted in Hull’s “The Complete Book of Discipleship,” profoundly impacts our spiritual journey.
John 14:6: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Specifically, we will delve into the four key invitations that Jesus extended to his followers — “Come and see, come and follow, come and be with me, remain in me” — and elucidate their significance in shaping our spiritual formation.
John 14:1: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”
The Invitation to “Come and See” — Encounter and Exploration:
Jesus’ model begins with the invitation to “Come and see” (John 1:39, KJV). This invitation beckons individuals to encounter Christ and explore the depths of His teachings.
John 15:12: “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”
Hull underscores the importance of this initial encounter, as it serves as the foundation of one’s faith journey.
Just as the early disciples witnessed Christ’s miraculous works and heard His profound teachings, our spiritual formation commences with an encounter with Jesus.
John 13:34–35: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another.”
This encounter sparks curiosity and leads to a desire to know more. (pp. 170–172)
Exploring this invitation further, we recognize its alignment with the scriptural principle found in Psalm 34:8 (KJV): “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”
Through this invitation, Jesus invites us to taste and see His goodness, which is pivotal in our spiritual formation journey.
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
It prompts us to seek, question, and ultimately embrace the truth that He offers.
The Call to “Come and Follow” — Discipleship and Transformation:
Following the initial encounter, Jesus extends the invitation to “Come and follow” Him (Matthew 4:19, KJV).
Matthew 28:19–20: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
This invitation signifies the transition from curiosity to commitment, from exploration to discipleship.
Hull emphasizes the significance of this step, as it involves surrendering one’s will and aligning with the teachings and way of Jesus.
Matthew 25:40: “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
To truly follow Christ is to undergo a transformative process, where our old selves are gradually conformed to His image. (pp. 175–177)
Matthew 22:37–39: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
The biblical parallel to this invitation is found in Romans 12:2 (KJV): “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
John 13:13: “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.”
This invitation challenges us to embrace the journey of discipleship, wherein we become more like Christ in our character and actions.
Matthew 19:14: “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
The Call to “Come and Be with Me” — Intimacy and Relationship:
Jesus’ model goes beyond mere discipleship; it extends an invitation to “Come and be with me” (Mark 3:14, KJV).
Luke 6:31: “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
This invitation highlights the importance of intimacy and relationship in our spiritual formation.
Matthew 5:3: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Hull stresses the significance of spending time in the presence of Jesus, allowing
His character and love to permeate our lives.
John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
Just as the disciples had the privilege of walking and talking with Jesus, we are called to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Him. (p. 178–179)
This invitation resonates with the scriptural truth in John 15:4 (KJV): “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”
Abiding in Christ fosters a deep sense of connection, where His life flows into ours, resulting in spiritual fruitfulness.
John 8:12: “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
To “come and be with me” is to prioritize a relationship with Jesus at the core of our spiritual formation.
The Imperative to “Remain in Me” — Sustenance and Fruitfulness:
Finally, Jesus’ model culminates with the imperative to “Remain in me” (John 15:5, KJV).
John 14:15: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
This invitation underscores the ongoing nature of our spiritual formation.
Hull emphasizes the importance of continuous communion with Christ, highlighting that apart from Him, we can do nothing of eternal significance.
Remaining in Christ involves abiding in His Word, prayer, and a reliance on His strength and guidance.
John 4:24: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
This invitation aligns with the biblical wisdom found in Colossians 2:6–7 (KJV): “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”
To remain in Christ is to be rooted and built up in Him, resulting in spiritual stability and fruitfulness.
John 16:33: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
In conclusion, Jesus’ model of spiritual formation, as elucidated through the invitations to “Come and see, come and follow, come and be with me, remain in me,” has a profound impact on our journey of faith.
Matthew 10:38: “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.”
It begins with an initial encounter that sparks curiosity and exploration, leading to a commitment to follow Christ and undergo transformation.
From there, it beckons us into a deep, intimate relationship with Him, where we find sustenance and bear spiritual fruit.
Matthew 16:24: “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
This model, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and supported by Hull’s insights, serves as a roadmap for our spiritual formation, guiding us toward a deeper and more meaningful walk with Christ.
How do the four invitations of Jesus — “Come and see, come and follow, come and be with me, remain in me” — as elucidated in Hull’s “The Complete Book of Discipleship,” shape and impact our spiritual formation journey, and what biblical parallels and insights support their significance in your walk with Christ?
References:
Hull, B. (2006). The Complete Book of Discipleship. NavPress.
Mulholland, M. Robert, & Barton, R. Ruth. (2016). Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation. InterVarsity Press.
The Holy Bible, King James Version.
