Scripture:

“Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Meditation:

The writers of Scripture tell us much about Jesus’ life and ministry, but only once do we hear from Him, revealing to us His very heart. These are perhaps the most peace-giving words ever spoken, because they were voiced by the Son of God, after declaring to us the sufficiency behind them: “All things have been handed over to me by my Father” (vs. 27). Jesus tells us that only the Father has a full and adequate understanding of Him; and that no one, but Jesus has this same knowledge of the Father (vs. 27). Then, in this most intimate moment, holding “all things” for the good and perfect outcome of those the Father had given to Him, He pulls back the veil and invites us to look upon His heart—to see what the Father alone knows about Him, what is true of His innermost being. He is gentle and humble. Here, our language breaks down, unable to capture the fullness of what Jesus has revealed about Himself. He comes to us as God, yet to serve us to the full extent of our need—life in Him. In His presence, He doesn't hold up "the letter of the law." He is merciful, adequately bearing the penalty of our sin. With open arms, there is no harshness, but a humility that covers our shame. In His care, He carries with us the spiritual and emotional labor we can’t bear alone. He invites us into His humble care, where, in the gentleness of His yoke, He will be to us living water and the bread of life—sufficient even to the harsh extremes of life.

Prayer:

Father, give us an understanding of the fullness of the gift of your Son. Help us to hear Jesus' invitation in such a way that we respond in the same humility He has demonstrated in His love for us. Father, our gratitude is lacking when considering the depth of Jesus’ love for us. Give us hearts overflowing with gratefulness. With so many suffering around us, Jesus, we pray that you would reveal your humble and gentle heart to the world—that you would draw many to yourself. As we walk in your yoke, teach us, give to us, the same courageous humility and gentleness as we love our neighbor for your glory. Amen.