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The Invitation
“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’”
Where This Verse Sits in Luke
Luke 9 is a turning point. Jesus has just fed the five thousand (9:10–17). Peter has confessed that Jesus is “The Christ of God” (9:20). Then Jesus tells His disciples plainly that He must suffer, be killed, and be raised on the third day (9:22). Right after He lays out the gospel, before it ever happens, He gives the invitation “to all.”
For four Sundays we are walking through this one verse, one phrase at a time. This week is the first phrase: “If anyone would come after me.”
Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”
And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
The Invitation Is Wide
Jesus said it “to all.” Not just to the religious people or the smart people, but to anyone. Some of us think we’ve messed up too badly to be close to God. Others of us grew up in church and figure we’ve got it together. The invitation is for both.
The Invitation Is Personal
Jesus looked at the rich man and loved him, and He knew exactly what was holding him back. He knows your history and what you’re struggling with right now. And the invitation is to come after Him. It’s not a set of principles. It’s a Person.
The Invitation Exposes What We’re Holding
The man had every check mark, but he held onto his possessions so tightly that he couldn’t reach out to Jesus. Being invited to follow Jesus brings that one thing into the light. For us it might be money, power, attention, or the drama and gossip some of us live on. Once it’s exposed, we’re better equipped to let it go.
The Invitation Is Answered by Grace
It’s grace that Jesus would invite us at all. It’s an even more amazing grace that we couldn’t follow Him on our own, and He gives us the grace to accept the invitation.
A Closer Look: “If Anyone Would”
In Luke 9:23, “would” means “wants to.” The Greek word (thelō) is about desire and will. Jesus doesn’t force anyone to follow Him. If anyone wants to come, the door is open. The man in Mark 10 shows the other side of that truth: he was invited, and he was free to walk away.
The Christian life isn’t a series of destinations. It’s a journey, and every step is a statement of faith. The question is simple: What is your next step?
Next Step: Four Weeks in Luke 9:23
- Oct 11 · The Invitation This week
“If anyone would come after me” · Luke 9:23; Mark 10:17–27 - Oct 18 · The Cost
“Let him deny himself” · Luke 9:23; Mark 1:16–20 - Oct 25 · Dying to Live
“Take up his cross” · Luke 9:23; John 6:60, 66 - Nov 1 · The Daily Walk
“Daily” · Luke 9:23; Ephesians 5:16
Looking Ahead
Next Sunday we take the next phrase: “let him deny himself.” Before then, read Mark 1:16–20 and notice what the fishermen left behind when Jesus said, “Follow me.”
For You
These answers are for you alone. Nothing is sent anywhere.
For Your Life Group
- Why do you think Jesus gave this invitation right after telling His disciples He would suffer, die, and be raised (Luke 9:22)?
- What is the difference between knowing the right things about Jesus and actually following Him?
- How can grace be both the reason we’re invited and the power that helps us answer (Ephesians 2:8–9)?
A Prayer from Luke 9:23
Father, thank You that You never change, even when everything around us does. Thank You that Jesus said to all, “If anyone would come after me,” and that “anyone” includes me.
Lord Jesus, You know my history, and You know what I’m struggling with right now. You see what I’m holding onto. Show me what’s in my hand, and give me the grace to let it go.
Thank You that Your invitation is grace, and that You give me the grace to answer it. Help me take my next step today, and the one after that, as I follow You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Stay Connected
Sunday worship at 8:00 and 10:30 AM, Bible Study at 9:15 AM. Wednesdays at 7:00 PM.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.