Introduction
Jesus taught in parables to make invisible realities visible. A favorite phrase of His was, “The kingdom of God is like.” (It’s found 13 times in the Gospels.) For centuries, the Jewish people had been waiting for the arrival of God’s rule on earth. They expected Him to vanquish their foes and exalt Israel.
But Jesus pointed to a spiritual kingdom. Of course, this realm had profound natural effects – sick bodies healed, the dead raised, and simple meals multiplied to feed thousands. But the core of Christ’s ministry was the breakthrough of the kingdom of God. To help people comprehend, He illustrated God’s reign with practical examples.
There’s no reason why we can’t do the same. While the Lord spoke of farming and fishing to explain the kingdom, we can choose other paradigms.
School is a great analogy. Whether people enjoyed their educational experiences, most folks can relate to this image. Over the next few weeks, we’ll use schooling to describe the major categories of the Christian life. We’ll start the series with invitations.
Invitation
In most countries, primary education (the elementary grade level) is mandatory. Governments set up public schools to give children the basics in what used to be called the “3 Rs” of “reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic” (but not spelling!). Some public schools do well, but when they fail their students, parents look for alternatives. Like private schools.
Kids aren’t required to go to private schools; they can go if their moms and dads can afford the tuition and fees. Many parents make big sacrifices to get their children into these schools because they believe these institutions outperform the public options. But for a family to take advantage of private schools, they have to know about them first.
That’s where invitations come in. A parochial school has to advertise its presence in the community. A private academy founded by a wealthy benefactor needs to announce itself. It isn’t enough to have nice buildings, awesome instructors, and stocked libraries. Private schools must promote themselves. And people loyal to these establishments–employees and alumni–have to pitch in. Public schools enjoy an advantage; they get the neighborhood children by default. Private schools have to invite them to sign up.
Evangelism is inviting people to join the kingdom of God.
When we find something awesome, we want to tell others. It’s natural. And when we’ve benefitted from a solid education, we’re motivated to tell others where we went to school. We want to have the same blessing.
The Bible reveals that inviting people is integral to education and evangelism. Consider how wisdom operates:
“Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars. 2She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city, 4‘Let all who are simple come to my house!’ To those who have no sense she says, 5‘Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. 6Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.’” – Proverbs 9:1-6
The hope for all who attend school is that they will emerge smarter and more capable than when they entered. Divine wisdom promises these favors and more to all who respond to her invitation.
Evangelism invites people to attend a spiritual school which will change their lives. They will find freedom from sin, guilt, and shame, and they will grow in a relationship with Jesus.
They will also face challenges. Education isn’t always easy, and spiritual training in God’s kingdom is no different. We must commit to giving people a full picture of what’s involved in following Jesus.
While the trials are real, the blessings are greater. As Paul the apostle writes,
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17
Application
Jesus calls disciples to make disciples.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
And the way we begin is by inviting people.
“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” – Revelation 22:17
God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us appeal to people in ways that address their deepest needs. May we see what people can become in the spiritual school of the kingdom of God and invite them to join us.
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