Our scripture this week is Matthew 11:25-30.
At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
In this passage Jesus tells us “All things have been committed to me by my Father” (v. 27), indicating the confidence God has in Him and the depth of their connection. When the angel Gabriel announced the coming of Jesus to Mary, he said “they will call him Immanuel, which means God with us”. In John 14:9 Jesus says “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father”. While we may not understand fully, we believe the truth these passages teach us – Jesus and God are one.
In the hymn “They’ll Know We Are Christians” we sing “we are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord”. We know that Jesus came to be with us and teach us how we can be joined to God and each other through our faith. He tells us this unity in love is the most important part of that relationship.
Are we showing we are Christians by our love? Be aware of the many opportunities we are given each day to share the Good News, to show the world a better way by living as Jesus did. May we be obedient to His commands and may He say of us “Anyone who knows you knows Me”.
Loving Lord, help us to be strong but kind bearers of Your word. May the world come to know the truth of Your love and justice through the work You have given us. Amen.