February 28 – Invitation and Challenge

Gregg’s Reflection

Jesus’ way of making disciples always included both warm invitation and strong challenge. First, He showed His love — healing the sick, feeding the hungry, forgiving the sinner. But then He invited those He loved to grow up, to leave behind old patterns, and to step into a new way of life. His love was never sentimental; it was love with a purpose. 

Many churches, like many small groups I’ve been part of, are rich in invitation but light on challenge. Warm welcome and encouragement are vital, but without challenge, discipleship stalls. We can remain comfortable, but we don’t necessarily grow. Jesus’ way was to invite people into relationship, then call them into transformation. This illustration shows the product of different churches and how they approach discipleship.

To follow Jesus means to welcome both. We need people who see us clearly, love us deeply, and hold us accountable to what God has placed before us. The challenge is not meant to crush us, but to call us forward into the life we were created for.

Scripture

Then he said to them: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Luke 9:23

Ancient Quotes

Christ does not say, ‘Come and remain as you are,’ but ‘Come, follow Me.’ To follow means to walk as He walked, to learn His ways, and to leave behind what hinders love.

St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew, Homily 7

It is impossible for anyone to be made perfect who does not strive with all his might to fulfill the commandments of Christ. For faith without works is dead, and love without obedience is but a name.

St. Basil the Great, Longer Rules, Question 2

Modern Quotes

The acquisition of holiness is not the exclusive business of monks… the commandment about holiness is given not only to monks, but to all people.

Hieromartyr Onuphry Gagaluk

The call of Jesus is both gift and demand, grace and responsibility. Discipleship means being drawn into his love so completely that it reshapes every aspect of life.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, p. 40

For Jesus, ‘discipleship’ is about being in an intimate, loving, and challenging relationship, much like that between parent and child. To be disciples of Jesus, we have to let ourselves be loved as he did.

Richard Rohr, CAC Morning Devotion, 3/15/20

Journaling Prompts:

• Where have you experienced Jesus’ invitation in your life?
  
  
• Where have you experienced His challenge?
  
  
• Which of the two is easier for you to receive?
  
  
• Who in your life balances love and challenge toward you?

👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 9 Reflection: Discipleship