Learning to Rest

Matthew 11:25-30 At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.  All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.  “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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 Matthew 11:25-30, Jesus is offering a reflection on the nature of God's kingdom and the path to true rest and spiritual fulfillment. As Christians, we should dive deeper into these verses and contemplate their significance in our lives. 

People have no peace in their hearts not because of their circumstance, but because they have departed from God, and the relationship with the Lord who created us and given us meaning to life has been severed. We often try to think of our own ways, live our own lives and walk our own path, but in reality, our relationships are often broken because we want to do things our own way. The outcome from such self-centeredness is the result of sin, and we lose our rest because we’re suffering the result of sin. 

Firstly, Jesus begins by praising the Father, acknowledging that He is the source of all wisdom and understanding. This recognition reminds us of the truth that our knowledge and insights ultimately come from God. As Christians, we are called to approach the mysteries of faith with a humble and open heart, recognizing that God's wisdom surpasses our limited human understanding. This serves as a reminder to lean into the gift of the Holy Spirit, namely those gifts of wisdom and understanding. Jesus then reveals that the mysteries of the kingdom of God are revealed to the childlike rather than the wise and learned. This does not imply a disregard for knowledge or intelligence, but rather a call to embrace childlike qualities such as trust, simplicity, and dependence on God. In our journey of faith, it is crucial to have a childlike spirit, placing our trust in God's loving guidance and surrendering our reliance on worldly wisdom alone. 

Next, Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. This invitation is a source of comfort and support, especially in times of trials, struggles, and the weight of life's burdens. We are encouraged to approach Jesus, our Savior, and find rest for our weary souls. It is in His presence that we discover the true peace that surpasses all understanding.

Furthermore, Jesus assures us that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. This teaching challenges us to reflect on our understanding of discipleship and the way we carry out our Christian responsibilities. Jesus does not promise a life free from challenges or difficulties, but He assures us that when we embrace His teachings and follow His example, we will find grace, strength, and a sense of purpose. The yoke of Christ, though it may involve sacrifice, is ultimately one that leads to freedom, fulfillment, and eternal life. 

As we read, we are reminded of the importance of humility, childlike trust, and finding rest in Jesus. As Christians, we are called to embrace the wisdom of God's kingdom, surrendering our burdens to Him and following the path that Jesus has laid before us. We strive to live out these teachings, seeking comfort and guidance from our Savior, and finding true rest and peace in His presence. 

Prayer 

Lord, I thank you because you are the God who takes on our worries and carries our pain. When we bring all our needs before you, we believe that you will give us rest. Forgive our sins and let us be assured of your presence in our lives. I thank you and I pray in the name of Jesus, amen!