Many of you, particularly those in the United States, may be familiar with the song by the 19th century U.S. composer Stephen Foster, “My Old Kentucky Home”. There is a line in the third verse of that song that goes “Just a few more days for to tote the weary load”. That line speaks to anyone who is tired from the heavy load, the heavy burden of physical work, and also troubles, concerns, and worries that we all face throughout life. Where can we find rest or reprieve from this heavy load? It seems that there is none, and that the load just gets heavier and more weary as life goes on, and there will be no rest until we are lying horizontal in the grave. That does not need to be the case for the Christian, one who follows the Lord Jesus Christ. In our Scripture for today from the Gospel of St. Matthew we read an invitation that the Savior gives for us to come to Him and give up our heavy burdens. Let’s take a look at our Scripture from the last several verses of chapter 11.
In our Scripture we read a brief prayer of praise that Jesus gives to the Father, a declaration of His divine authority, and then follows with a gracious invitation to sinners. Recently the Lord had sent out the disciples on a mission trip to bring His Gospel to various villages, and when they returned they gave their report, and Jesus called out woes to the cities that had seen His miracles but had refused to repent. In His prayer, Jesus called the Father “Lord of heaven and earth” (vs. 25). This affirms God’s absolute authority over all creation.
He declares that spiritual truth has been hidden from the wise and prudent, but revealed to babes. The “wise and prudent” are the self-righteous, the intellectually proud, and all those who trust in their own understanding. The proud cannot understand spiritual truth. Spiritual truth is not discovered by human intellect, but is revealed by God. However, Jesus declares that it has been revealed to “babes”. These are the humble, the teachable, and those who recognize their need. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). God’s plan of revelation is not accidental. It is intentional and pleasing to Him (vs. 26).
Next we read of Jesus’ exclusive authority and revelation (vs. 27). Jesus has been given all authority - authority over salvation, over judgment, authority over revelation, and over creation. This is a powerful testimony to Jesus’ deity. He possesses all authority and uniquely knows the Father. Jesus is the exclusive mediator between God and mankind. He is the only way to God (John 14:6).
Now we come to the Lord Jesus Christ’s gracious invitation to us (vs. 28-30). This is a personal, direct, and compassionate call to us to come to Him. Jesus does not say to come to religion, or come to works, or come to philosophy. He says “Come unto Me.” Jesus calls all those who are burdened by sin, those who are exhausted by the self-effort of trying to earn a way to heaven, and those who are weary from life’s trials.
Jesus promised that if these people will come to Him, He will give them rest. They will find the rest of peace with God. They will find strength for obedience to His Word, and relief from guilt, fear, and striving. Jesus urges us to take His yoke upon us and learn from Him. A yoke implies submission, obedience, and a partnership with God. Christ’s yoke is not freedom from responsibility, but is freedom from bondage. The world’s yoke may sound light, but it leads to sin and slavery. Jesus’ yoke of obedience to His Word may sound heavy, but it leads away from error and into eternal joy.
Jesus is “meek and lowly in heart”. He is gentle and humble. He is accessible and compassionate towards sinners. When we walk with Jesus, He will bring us ongoing rest. His burden is light because He carries it with us. Because of Jesus’ life we can be certain that our Heavenly Father cares about us. God’s love extends over us, and He wants us to come to Him with our burdens and pain. Don’t allow trials to cloud your thinking about God’s deep concern for you. Jesus’ presence doesn’t make us immune to struggles, but it does promise us comfort and rest during our trials. His presence provides a refuge where we can lay down our heavy loads and catch our breath.
Do you carry burdens that tire you out, burdens that deprive you of needed rest? Set aside resentment, bitterness, and complaints. Bring your burdens to Jesus and accept His invitation to find rest.
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