Recently I’ve been thinking about the number of times Jesus invites us to come to Him. Here are a few examples.

Matthew 4:19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

Matthew 14:29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 11:28  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

While here on earth to accomplish our salvation, Jesus invited people to come to Him in a variety of situations. In every instance it was in order to help those invited. Many of the hymns of the church echo this sentiment. One in particular that I thought of is based on that last passage above.

“Come unto Me, ye weary, And I will give your rest.”
O blessed voice of Jesus, Which comes to hearts opprest!
It tells of benediction, Of pardon, grace, and peace,
Of joy that hath no ending, Of love which cannot cease.

 “Come unto Me, ye wand’rers, And I will give you light.”
O loving voice of Jesus, Which comes to cheer the night!
Our hearts were filled with sadness, And we had lost our way;
But Thou hast bro’t us gladness And songs at break of day.

 “Come unto Me, ye fainting, And I will give you life.”
O cheering voice of Jesus, Which comes to aid our strife!
The Foe is stern and eager, The fight is fierce and long;
But Thou hast made us mighty And stronger than the strong. 

“And whosoever cometh, I will not cast him out.”
O patient love of Jesus, Which drives away our doubt,
Which, tho’ we be unworthy Of love so great and free,
Invites us very sinners To come, dear Lord, to Thee!

(The Lutheran Hymnal #276)