Of all the people Jesus healed, 40 individuals are specifically mentioned in the New Testament as having been cured by Jesus. Of those 40, 34 of them did not make their way to Jesus by themselves; they had help finding Jesus.

Likewise, most people who find their way to Jesus today for the spiritual healing that we all need do not find Jesus on their own. They have the help of a friend, neighbor, co-worker or family member. Sometimes it is nothing more than a simple invitation that helps them find Jesus.

We see this principle in action in John’s gospel. After Andrew began to follow Jesus, “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus…” (John 1:41-42).

After Jesus met a woman at a well in Samaria, look at what happened. “Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him.” (John 4:28-30).

Many people today are willing to come and see what Jesus is all about; they just haven’t been asked lately. Let us never underestimate the power of an invitation. Invite someone to church this Sunday.