Our scripture this morning is Matthew 11:25-30.
At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Jesus thanks God for the task He has been given and the way God has set His plan in motion. He calls us to “Take my yoke upon you” (v. 29), because He wants us to be part of what He is doing in the world. We are not just hired labor, but valued partners in this effort.
Jesus gives us many reasons to choose to follow Him. He tells us “my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (v. 30), but most importantly “you will find rest for your souls”. Jesus is saying the only way we can be at peace is a relationship with God through Him.
He asks us to learn from Him the lessons necessary for an eternal connection to our Heavenly Father and to go share this blessing with everyone. Those who “think themselves wise and clever” (v. 25) will not understand or accept His teachings, but those who are humble and gentle as He is will receive understanding. Jesus promises us a place He has prepared for us when we follow Him in faith.
Gracious God,we are grateful for the gift of Your Son to love and lead us. Help us to be the disciples of today, sharing the joy we have found in You with the world. Amen.