Jesus Says: ‘Come!’

In Matthew 11:28 Christ uses the simple word come to describe the response which He requires to the gospel invitation, for He says:

“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Christ adds to this invitation a very gracious and assuring promise.

“The one who comes to me I will by no means cast out.” (John 6:37)

Thus the invitation is supported by the promise, and the promise creates the required faith in those who desire to accept the invitation.

Speaking to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, Christ uses the simple act of drinking, which was appropriate to that particular situation, to express the necessary response to the gospel. He says:

“But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14)

Here the act of receiving salvation is compared to that of drinking water. In this instance the promise is given first – he will never thirst – then later in the New Testament the promise is supported by an invitation. Christ says:

“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.” (John 7:37)

“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17)