Introduction
Schools should prioritize their pupils. But like all institutions, sometimes they get sidetracked. Bureaucratic minutia creeps in and takes precedence. Soon, the disgruntled will squawk, reminding schools to focus on the students.
This includes not only current students, but candidates, too. If schools want people to know how wonderful their education is, they have to tell them. That’s why we started this blog series with invitations. Joining the kingdom of God, like joining a school. It begins with an invite. This is the role of evangelism; we share the good news that the school of Jesus Christ is accepting new students! (We call them disciples.)
Many people would love to attend a top-notch school, but what do you suppose their chief concern is? That’s right, the cost! Private kindergarten, parochial school, and an Ivy League college–who can afford all that?
Yet the kingdom of God, although lavish, is free! Here’s what the Lord says through the prophet Isaiah:
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. 3Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.” – Isaiah 55:1-3
No one can compensate God for the privilege of entering into His kingdom but by His grace, no one has to. Jesus has paid the price for us! He asks people to accept His invitation, but recognizes that some will make excuses.
“Jesus replied: ‘A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, “Come, for everything is now ready.” 18But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, “I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.” 19Another said, “I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.” 20Still another said, “I just got married, so I can’t come.” 21The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.” 22“Sir,” the servant said, “what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.” 23Then the master told his servant, “Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. 24I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.’” – Luke 14:16-24
It’s necessary to respond to the invitation. No response–no dinner!
And this principle applies to our schooling analogy about the kingdom of God. There are two aspects to consider; one private and one public.
Application
Accepting the invitation to life in the kingdom is a spiritual matter. It takes place in the heart, hidden from the eyes of others. God can see the soul of a person, so He knows when someone responds in faith to the Gospel.
In the educational world, people have to apply to schools. When they do, they try to make a case why they merit consideration. Applicants tout their grades, sports activities, and civic involvement to make themselves stand out from the rest.
It’s different with the Gospel.
God tells people to trust in Jesus for forgiveness and eternal life. No one deserves salvation; it’s a gift He offers to those who believe in His Son.
“A person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.” – Galatians 2:16
If people want to get into Christ’s school, all they have to do is trust Him. If they apply in faith, they’re in!
Enrollment
Believing in Jesus is like applying to a school; it’s a personal decision that someone makes. But joining the kingdom of God also has a public side–water baptism.
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call.’ 40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – Acts 2:38-42
“But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” – Acts 8:12
These examples combine the invisible act of faith with the visible step of baptism. They belong together and they work in tandem.
How so?
If John and Jane apply to State University, they’d be happy if they got accepted. But unless they enroll in classes, are they actual students? John and Jane had enough commitment to apply to the university, but the point of going to school is to learn. That’s where classes come in!
They can’t enroll in courses unless they have letters of acceptance in their files. But if John and Jane never take any classes, they’re in danger of the registrar dropping them from the school.
Application and enrollment–students need both.
Faith and baptism–disciples need both.
Conclusion
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
The process begins with inviting people to believe in Jesus. Those who trust His work on the cross express their faith through water baptism. Now they’re ready for the next stage. What is it?
We’ll see next week!
