Jesus had a remarkable way of being both highly inviting and highly challenging in every relationship.

• All people mattered to Him.
• But they also mattered enough for Him to challenge them to change.

This balance of invitation and challenge made Jesus deeply compelling—and it’s also essential for making disciples.

How can we follow His example?

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Draw a Matrix

Simply draw two lines:

• One horizontal (representing Invitation), with arrows pointing left and right.
• One vertical (representing Challenge), with arrows pointing up and down.

Now, let’s explore what happens in each quadrant:

🟥 Low Invitation + Low Challenge = Apathy
If no one knows you personally or cares about what you do, why bother? Disengagement takes over.

🟧 Low Invitation + High Challenge = Stress
If people only care about your performance but not about you, you only matter as much as your last success. Discouragement reigns.

🟨 High Invitation + Low Challenge = Consumerism
If you’re always accepted but never challenged, why change at all? Comfort rules, but growth stalls.

🟩 High Invitation + High Challenge = Empowerment
When you know you are cared for AND challenged to grow, you thrive. This is where disciples are made.

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Invitation & Challenge in Jesus’ Teaching

THE INVITATION | Matthew 16:13-19

How does Jesus speak to His disciples here?

• Peter gives a God-centered answer.
• Jesus affirms and blesses him for it.

Think about it:

• If Jesus looked you in the eye, how would you feel? Safe? Known? Supported?
• Can you sense the warmth of His invitation?

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THE CHALLENGE | Matthew 16:21-25

How does Jesus speak to Peter here?

• Peter’s thinking doesn’t align with God’s plan.
• Jesus rebukes him strongly and calls him to a higher perspective.

Think about it:

• If Jesus looked you in the eye, how would you feel? Challenged? Stretched? Called to something greater?
• Do you recognize that His love for you has not changed, even as He calls you higher?

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THE INVITATION | Luke 12:22-27

How does Jesus speak to His disciples here?

• He reminds them of God’s deep care for them.
• He invites them to trust God fully and leave anxiety behind.

What’s His invitation to you?

• Jesus expands your view of God so that trust becomes easier.
• He invites you into peace and security in the Father’s love.

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THE CHALLENGE | Luke 12:28-34

How does Jesus push His disciples further?

• He urges them to expand their faith.
• He challenges them to demonstrate trust—not just believe it.
• He calls them to let go of possessions and seek God’s Kingdom first.

What’s His challenge to you?

• Are you living by faith or clinging to security?
• What is God calling you to release so you can step fully into Kingdom life?

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Reflection & Action Steps

🔎 We tend to offer what we’ve received.

• What have you experienced from mentors, leaders, or significant people in your life?
• Are you repeating those patterns—for better or worse?

🤔 Who needs more Invitation from you? Who needs more Challenge?

• Think of someone in your life. How can you offer them what they need?
• How will you start today?

📢 Ask yourself:

• If I asked my closest relationships what they receive from me, what would they say?
• Am I creating empowerment, or am I stuck in another quadrant?

⚡ Accountability:

• Let’s commit to practicing High Invitation / High Challenge together.
• What practical steps will you take this week?

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Practical Tools for Growth

How to Grow in Invitation

• Make people feel valued and seen.
• Use names, smile, and make eye contact.
• Offer opportunities to contribute and belong.
• Be relational before being instructional.

How to Grow in Challenge

• Speak truth with clarity and kindness.
• Help people see where they need to grow—and believe they can.
• Use CPR to navigate hard conversations:

🩺 C = Content → What happened? (Just the facts.)
🔄 P = Pattern → What keeps happening? (The deeper issue.)
💔 R = Relationship → How is this affecting trust and connection?

💡 Key Skills for Challenge:

• Describe the gap: What’s expected vs. what’s actually happening.
• Unbundle the issue: Address the action, not assumptions about intent.
• Contrast your intent: Clarify that your goal is growth, not criticism.
• Maintain safety: People respond best when they feel respected and valued.

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Jesus calls us to live with both invitation and challenge.

✔️ Be deeply relational—but don’t avoid the hard truths.
✔️ Be bold in truth—but don’t withhold love and encouragement.

This is the heart of disciple-making. Are you ready to step into it? 🚀 Feel free to reach out to me for mentorship or talks through http://www.lukas15.com