The concept of a divine calling is central to the Christian faith, and nowhere is this idea more prominent than in the teachings of Jesus Christ. “What is Jesus calling?” is not just a question of theological curiosity, but a profound invitation to explore the nature of God’s purpose for humanity. Jesus’ calling is multifaceted, including calling us to salvation, calling us to discipleship, and calling us to live lives that reflect His teachings. This article seeks to shed light on what it means to hear Jesus’ call, how to experience that call, and how to guide our faith in our daily lives.
The Call to Salvation
The essence of Jesus’ calling is a call to salvation. In the New Testament, Jesus invites all people to follow Him, offering us salvation from sin and eternal life with God. This call is of grace, and Jesus reaches out to each person not because of their merits, but because of His love and sacrifice.
The Nature of Salvation
According to Christian teaching, salvation is freedom from sin and its consequences, and salvation is achieved through Jesus’ death and resurrection. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This statement emphasizes that the call to salvation is inseparable from Jesus’ person and work. He is the means of human reconciliation with God, and his call is an invitation to accept this reconciliation.
Jesus’ invitation to all
The call to salvation is not exclusive. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites all who labor and are heavy laden to come to him: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This inclusive invitation highlights the universality of his calling. Regardless of a person’s past or present circumstances, Jesus offers rest and peace to those who respond to his call in faith.
The Call to Discipleship
Following Jesus is more than just receiving salvation; it is also about committing to a life of discipleship. Discipleship is the process of learning from Jesus, receiving His teachings, and living by His example. The call to discipleship involves a transformation of heart and mind, as well as a reorientation of life toward the Kingdom of God.
The Cost of Discipleship
Jesus made it clear what it costs to follow Him. In Luke 14:27-33, He told the crowd that anyone willing to follow Him must be willing to take up their cross, which means that discipleship requires sacrifice. This sacrifice may include giving up personal desires, enduring suffering, and even facing persecution for the sake of the gospel.
However, the rewards of discipleship far outweigh the cost. Jesus promises that those who faithfully follow Him will receive abundant life. In John 10:10, He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.” Discipleship is not just about experiencing struggle, but about experiencing the abundant life that comes from a close relationship with Jesus.
A Call to Serve Others
Discipleship is not a solitary journey, but a community experience that calls believers to serve others. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus set the ultimate example of servant leadership when He said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve.” Therefore, following Jesus means seeking ways to serve others, especially those who are marginalized and oppressed.
Jesus’ call to disciples is to live out His values of love, humility, and compassion. It is a call for believers to be His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs healing and hope.
The Call to a Holy Life
Living according to Jesus’ calling also involves pursuing holiness and righteousness. Holiness is the process of becoming more like Jesus in character and actions. The Apostle Paul frequently reminds Christians to live in a way that reflects their identity as children of God.
The Pursuit of Holiness
In 1 Peter 1:15-16, Peter writes, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'” This call to holiness is not about perfection, but about continually striving to reflect God’s character in every aspect of life. It involves making choices that align with God’s will and rejecting behaviors and attitudes that contradict His nature.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping believers respond to Jesus’ call to holiness. In John 14:26, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will teach and guide His followers. The Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith, providing strength to resist temptation and grace to grow in godliness.
The call to holiness is not just about external actions; it also involves a transformation of the heart. As believers grow in their relationship with God, their desires and motivations begin to align with His will. This process of sanctification is a lifelong journey, but it is one that is made possible by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
The Call to Love
Love is one of the core themes of Jesus’ teaching. Jesus called His followers to love God and to love people. He summarized the entire law in these two commandments in Matthew 22:37-39: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Love is the Greatest Commandment
Love is not just a suggestion or a feeling, but a commandment. The call to love involves both a vertical relationship with God and a horizontal relationship with others. Jesus demonstrated the depth of this love through His own life and sacrifice on the cross. His love was unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial, and He called His followers to reflect this love in their own lives.
Love Like Jesus
The call to love is not limited to those who are easy to love. Jesus challenged His followers to love even their enemies. In Matthew 5:44, He says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This radical love extends to all people, regardless of their behavior or attitude. This love seeks the good of others, even when it comes at great personal cost.
The Call to Mission
Finally, Jesus’ call is not just for personal conversion; it is also a call to participate in God’s mission in the world. Jesus commissions His followers to make disciples of all nations, spread the gospel of the Kingdom of God, and bear witness to His love and power.
The Great Commission
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives His followers the Great Commission: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This commission applies not only to the apostles, but to all Christians throughout the ages and throughout the world.
The Mission of Love and Justice
The call to mission is not only to evangelize, but also to bring justice and peace to the world. Jesus’ mission was marked by a deep concern for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized. His followers are called to continue this work, advocating for justice, confronting inequality, and helping to meet the needs of those who suffer.
Conclusion
Jesus’ call is a call to change, a call to live a life that reflects His love, holiness, and mission. It is a call to salvation, discipleship, love, and service. While the specific ways in which Jesus calls individuals may vary, the core invitation is clear: follow Him and live a life that glorifies God and serves others. Responding to Jesus’ call is not easy, but it is the path to true fulfillment and eternal life. As believers continue to hear and respond to His call, they are invited to participate in God’s ongoing Kingdom work on earth.
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