[:en]SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 11
Bible Verses:
“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.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
JESUS AND JOHN THE BAPTIST (vs. 1-19)
John was in prison at the time when Jesus was ministering. He sent His disciples to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah or they should expect someone else. Jesus assured them that He is the King and encouraged them not to doubt. He told them go back and tell John : “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me” (vs. 5-6). He also commented on John as follows: “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (v. 11)
Jesus compared the people of that generation like that of children. Nothing could please them despite of John’s and His ministries.
WOE ON UNREPENTED CITGITES (vs. 20-24)
Among the cities being denounced by Christ are: Korazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum. Judgment will fall upon them for rejecting Him.
REST FOR THE WEARY (vs. 25-30)
Jesus invites all to come to Him. He opens to door to all who will come and believe and take His yoke. Christ offers a yoke that is easy in contrast to the grinding and binding yoke of the law. The rest that Jesus gives is the peace of God that comes by surrendering to Him.
REFLECTION:
Jesus is inviting you to come to Him. If you are weary and burdened, take His yoke which is easy and his burden which is light. Then you will find perfect rest for your soul.[:]