Matthew__11
Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 “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.”
Observation-What does it say? After sending the twelve apostles out on a journey to heal and teach, Jesus appears to be spending some time alone. He went on his own, from town to town, to teach and preach. While doing this, He is approached by a group of John the Baptist’s disciples. On John’s behalf, they inquire of Jesus if He is the messiah. Jesus uses the words from Isaiah (ch. 35) to tell them He is fulfilling the prophecies about Him.
Jesus then sheds light on the wisdom of God, who reveals truth to those who don’t fit the world’s definition of wisdom and intelligence. He then carries on to speak to the hearts of those he is calling. “It was the ordinary folk who received Jesus - and he was glad. To all who are worn down by burdens, he offers relief” ( Zondervan Handbook of the Bible p. 561).
Understanding-What does it mean? One of the things I love about history is reading the stories of supposed underdogs. Those who succeeded despite being at a “disadvantage.” Like Albert Einstein who, after teaching himself calculus at the age of 14, was denied entrance into college because of his trouble with language. Or George Washington who, without a traditional military education, lead the burgeoning United States to victory in the Revolutionary role. Sometimes in life we can’t see the forest for the trees, and we miss a person’s potential for the lack of their credentials.
If we were to compare the life of Jesus to what we think of success now, he would probably be an utter failure today. Jesus lived at home until he was almost thirty. He quit his job as a carpenter to be homeless. He hung out with a group of people considered to be less desirable in his culture, men who were known to be rough, dirty, or cheats. He acted in utter defiance to the political culture. He hadn't even finished any type of schooling to teach in the synagogues. Yet he is the one who completes us and brings us to relationship with God.
Jesus repeatedly calls those who are sick, who are broken, and who the world sees as useless. He lets us unload the “requirements” the world tries to place on us. His rules are few, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart,” and, “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). He knows our deficiencies, and he is ready to make up the difference.
Life Application Jesus, I trust in you to fill me with the love and knowledge I need to complete your works. Like the Psalmist cries out, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands.” (Psalm 90:17) Even though I am lacking, Jesus I know you have prepared me for a purpose and I trust in you.
-Tyler Galloway