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DEVOTIONAL
Opening Prayer
Almighty God, may the transforming power of your gospel be at work in my life today and always. AMEN.
Introduction
John the Baptist hears of the ministry of Jesus in the region of Galilee. He sends some disciples to speak with Jesus. Jesus commends John and compares him to the prophet Elijah’s second arrival. Jesus then compares his ministry to that of John and the variety of responses each has received. Let’s read the scriptures.
Scripture Lesson
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 NIV
16 “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: 17 “‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
The Father Revealed in the Son
25 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. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
27 “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.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Reflection
People are eager to make comparisons and just like Goldilocks we are hard to please. The Gospel of Jesus is “too hot” or “too cold.” We want it to please ourselves. We think we get to choose. Read verse 27 again – “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.” Actually, Jesus makes the choice to whom to reveal God. Jesus calls those willing to accept his YOKE. The call – the invitation of Jesus is, 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Goldilocks was carefree and enjoying her day of entertainment in the woods when she stumbles upon the three bears home and porridge. She could care less about anyone or anything else as she eats their porridge, sits in their chairs and sleeps in their beds. She gets the surprise of her life upon the bear’s return as she crashes out the bedroom window.
Jesus calls the weary and burdened and offers rest. Then offers a yoke and a new understanding. Jesus does not thunder and roar or frighten as the bears did to Goldilocks. Jesus says, “for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
How do you rest while bearing a Yoke? If the yoke is custom carved to exactly fit around the shoulders. The burden is not overwhelming or burdensome – it is light because Jesus is at our side to bear the burden with us. We are never left alone or abandoned to our own devises. Jesus invites us into a dependent relationship with him. We are connected to him – guided by him yoked together to him. Happy Dependence Day.
Closing Prayer
Go forth to serve in the strength, love, and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Blessings,
Pastor Tom
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