Introduction: 1. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus gave His Great Invitation. a. He invites all who labor and who are heavy laden to come to Him. b. Those who come to Jesus on His terms will receive a special blessing. 2. In the Scriptures, we read about a number of people who had to rely upon others to bring them to Jesus so He could bless them. 3. In our lesson we are examining five occasions when people brought their friends and loved ones to the Lord to receive a blessing from Him. 4. Let us begin by examining . . .
Discussion:
I. MATTHEW 8:16-17
A. According to these verses, many people possessed with demons were brought to Jesus, and He cast the demons out. B. In addition, Jesus "healed all that were sick." C. By casting out these demons and healing the sick,: 1. Jesus demonstrated His compassion as well as His divine power 2. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy found in Isaiah 53:4. D. Observations: 1. Did the Lord's invitation apply to these people possessed with demons and those who suffered from various illnesses? 2. Did Jesus want these people to come to Him? 3. Were these people able to come to Him without assistance? 4. Do you suppose these people were grateful to those who cared enough to bring them to the Lord?
II. MARK 10:13-16
A. These verses show how "young children" ["infants" -- Luke 18:15] were brought to Jesus. B. The disciples apparently did not feel that Jesus needed to be bothered by these children; however, He was highly displeased with the disciples. C. It seems that Jesus was especially fond of children -- He took time from His busy schedule to hold these children and bless them. D. Observations: 1. Did the Lord's invitation apply to these children? 2. Did Jesus want these children to come to Him? 3. Were these children able to come to Him without assistance? 4. Later, do you suppose these children were grateful to their parents for caring enough to bring them to the Lord?
III. LUKE 5:18-25
A. On this occasion a man afflicted by palsy was brought to Jesus. B. Thankfully, he had some good friends who were not easily discouraged. C. This man received 2 blessings from Jesus: "forgiveness" and "healing." D. Observations: 1. Did the Lord's invitation apply to this man? 2. Did Jesus want this man to come to Him? 3. Could this man go to Jesus without assistance? 4. Do you suppose he appreciated his friends for carrying him to Jesus and letting him down through the roof?
IV. JOHN 4:28-30, 39-42
A. Earlier, Jesus had a conversation with this woman at Jacob's well. B. She left the well and went to the city where she told the people about the Lord. C. The people left the city and went to Jesus. D. The Lord gained many believers that day. E. Observations: 1. Did the Lord's invitation apply to these Samaritans? 2. Did Jesus want them to come to Him? 3. Would they have known that Jesus was near if the woman had not told them? 4. Do you suppose they were grateful to this woman for doing what she did?
V. ACTS 10:24b
A. Cornelius had been instructed to send for Simon Peter who would give him a special message. B. While Cornelius waited for Peter, he invited his relatives and close friends. C. These people eventually became Christians (vs.48; Mark 16:16).
D. Observations: 1. Did the Lord's invitation apply to these Gentiles? 2. Did the Lord want them to come to Him? 3. Would these relatives and friends of Cornelius have learned about Jesus if Cornelius did not invite them to hear Peter's message? 4. Do you suppose these people were thankful that Cornelius cared enough for them to invite them?
Conclusion:
1. Does the Lord's invitation apply to our relatives, friends, and neighbors? 2. Does the Lord want our relatives, friends, and neighbors to come to Him? 3. Someone is depending upon you. 4. If you need to come to Jesus, He invites you to do so (Matthew 11:28-30).
