“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 (Matthew 11:20-30, Luke 9:51-56, 17:11-19, 10:1-42)
Following the Feast of Tabernacles there is growing opposition toward Jesus because He refuses to accept the role most want Him to play, that of a political ruler and conquerer. He faces the reality of His final suffering and sends out 72 disciples, empowered to spread the Gospel and heal sorrows and broken bodies.
During this time Jesus heals ten lepers and sends them on their way. As they realize the miracle they have received, only one returns in gratitude for Jesus’ healing touch. Because of this, only he receives eternal life. While health was restored to the others, it was temporary and of this world only. Jesus pays a visit to two sisters, Mary and Martha. Mary sits and basks in Jesus’ presence while Martha bitterly plays diligent hostess. Martha is missing the presence of God in an effort to create a perfect earthly atmosphere. While Jesus was teaching, a young theologian asked Him how to gain the Kingdom of Heaven. Everyone knows you are to love the Lord God with all your mind, body and soul, and your neighbor as yourself. The young scholar tested, “Then who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered with the parable of the Good Samaritan. A neighbor is he who acts with love when the opportunity arises, regardless of past woes and present bias.
When the 72 were sent out, Jesus instructs them to accept the support they are entitled too, but to avoid luxury. Selfish ambition has no place in service to the Kingdom. Time is precious and there’s work to be done and you’ll only find disappointment when you ask Jesus to be something other than Who He is.
Weariness is a fact of life. As humble servants, we are offered relief from our burdens. A yoke allows no looking back and shares the load of a difficult task. Jesus is a gentle, kind and loving master. He will not crush you in order to please Himself. He will give you rest and all the resources you need to live in joy.
Love,
Gretchen