Jesus Calls: “Come to Me”
The Lord Jesus calls us:
“Come to me, all you 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
— Matthew 11:28–30
Today we reflect on the Lord’s invitation, “Come to Me.” Next month, we will share on “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me.”
I. The Lord Jesus Calls: “Come to Me.” But Who Is the Lord Jesus?
The only way to truly understand God is through the Lord Jesus Christ; and the only way to know the Lord Jesus Christ is through the authoritative Bible. This is the cornerstone of our Christian faith.
From the Scriptures, we know:
Jesus is God incarnate, the second person of the Trinity.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth... No one has ever seen God, but the only Son has made Him known" (John 1:1,14,18). Jesus said, "I and the Father are one... The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life" (John 6:63).
Jesus is the Creator of all things and the sovereign Lord of the universe.
"All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made" (John 1:3). Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). “Which of you can convict me of sin?” (John 8:46).
Jesus is the Redeemer who gave His life for all humanity.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Jesus said, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28).
Jesus is the giver of the Holy Spirit, the Judge, and the source of eternal life.
“I will send you the Helper from the Father—the Spirit of truth” (John 15:26). “You must be born again” (John 3:7). “The Father judges no one but has entrusted all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22). “Those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned” (John 5:29).
Jesus is the only way, the truth, and the life.
“No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). His followers must walk the path of sanctification, for the kingdom of God is to be manifest both in heaven and on earth.
Jesus is the Lord who loves us and has overcome the world.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27).
The fullness of God dwells bodily in Jesus Christ. He is the focus and foundation of our faith. We are Christians because we follow Him.
We must first understand our true human condition. Though created with intelligence, creativity, and free will, humanity inherited sin and death through Adam. “Out of the heart come evil thoughts… these defile a person” (Matthew 15:18–20).
Living in a rebellious world under the influence of the devil, humanity is afflicted with sin, suffering, mortality, and temptation. Even believers experience suffering as God refines their faith, just as Job, Paul, and countless others did. Through these trials, our faith is strengthened, our character purified, and our hearts more deeply devoted to Christ.
Today, regardless of status—rich or poor, powerful or powerless—every person will face burdens, setbacks, and suffering. External hardships are compounded by internal emptiness and moral decline. No success or wealth can fill the spiritual void within the human heart.
This is why the Lord Jesus proclaims His salvation:
“For God so loved the world...” (John 3:16).
The cross is the greatest act of love and justice. By it, Jesus bore our punishment, restored our relationship with God, and opened the way to eternal life.
His call has no preconditions: “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish.” This is the foundation of justification by faith, a truth emphasized by Martin Luther during the Reformation, but first and foremost declared by Jesus Himself.
Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.”
Believing in Jesus from the heart and accepting Him as Lord and Savior—this is the essence of justification by faith.
1. Why is Jesus the only true choice of faith?
Across the world, over 85% of people hold some form of religious belief. Among these, Christianity is unique in its message of grace, resurrection, and the hope of eternal life. Only Jesus offers a personal, living relationship with God.
Some may still question the virgin birth, resurrection, creation, and other miracles. But:
- The virgin birth affirms Jesus' divine identity.
- The resurrection is central to our faith and confirmed by many eyewitnesses (e.g., Thomas).
- Creation is increasingly affirmed even by scientists as a product of divine design.
- Human uniqueness—in consciousness, morality, and spirit—cannot be explained by material evolution alone.
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
2. How can we build faith and respond to the Lord’s call?
- Read the Bible
The Bible is the authoritative witness to Jesus. “The Scriptures... bear witness about Me” (John 5:39–40). - Join Christian fellowship
“Faith comes from hearing the message... through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). The testimony of believers helps seekers experience God’s reality. - Pray and pour out your heart to God
“Ask, and it will be given to you...” (Matthew 7:7).
The Lord welcomes your prayers—your struggles, doubts, and hopes. He will respond, heal, and give you peace.
- What is the core of the Protestant faith?
- Who is Jesus Christ to you?
- What is human nature and its influence?
- Why do we come to Jesus? Are you ready?
- Share how prayer revealed God’s power to you.
- Share your personal faith journey.
Dear Lord,
You are the eternal Creator, all-knowing and all-powerful. Though we are sinners, You love us and gave Yourself for us. You took on flesh, full of grace and truth, and through the cross, brought us redemption. We respond to Your call—“Come to Me.” Help us to believe, to trust, to follow You. Defeat every selfish desire and work of the enemy in us. Let Your kingdom reign in our hearts. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
