If you’re tall, dark and handsome, you’re “in.” If you’re pretty, popular and talented, you’re “in.” So many of the opportunities of life are restricted to the fortunate few. But when it comes to the greatest opportunity of all there’s no restriction – anyone can come.
In Matthew 16:24 Jesus made an incredible offer. It was an opportunity to have a personal relationship with Him. He said, “If anyone [wishes to] come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Now the amazing thing about this offer is the fact that it is unrestricted and open to anyone who will respond.
The word “anyone” is the little Greek indefinite pronoun tis. Now the indefinite nature of this pronoun means that there are no boundaries. It truly means “anybody.” There are no restrictions of race, or gender, or age, or economic status, or looks, or talent, or popularity. In other words, the opportunity to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is available to any person who wants to pursue it.
About a year ago I had the privilege of meeting Mincaya and Timente, two Auca Indians from the Huorani people in the jungles of Ecuador. Though they had once been murderous pagans, they were now believers in Christ. They had heard the Gospel and had come to Jesus for salvation from their sins, and now they have a personal relationship with the Son of God himself! You see, when Jesus said “anyone,” He meant anyone. And that includes YOU.
Say – if “anyone” includes you – what are you waiting for? Come to Jesus! It’s the opportunity of a lifetime.