Jesus condemned those who took his miracles but not his message. He rounded on the opinion-shapers of his generation for not grasping his welcome for the lost and broken (vs 16–24). But, here, he gives thanks for the ordinary people who have responded. Marvel for a moment that we get to be ‘partakers of the divine nature’ (2 Peter 1:4, ESV) through relationship with Jesus and his Father (vs 25–27; 1 Corinthians 1:27–31). 

As we’ll see tomorrow, the religious Jews demanded stern obedience to the Law. They had hundreds of nit-picking rules to prevent people from getting close to breaking the Law given by God to Moses. The focus was on outward performance to gain approval. We can live our lives like that too, but what happens when we can’t perform? Does our self-worth crash? Better to live out of relationship with ‘gentle and humble’ Jesus (vs 28–30). What motivates your life? Fear of failure? God’s love?

Can you recall any time when you were particularly aware of God’s forgiveness and mercy? Reflect on that experience and give thanks.

Jesus’ call for those who are weary and carrying heavy burdens to come to him is a very well-known verse which many find comforting. However, it is also a puzzling one when we remember the wider context in which it’s set. As we have seen from our recent readings, Jesus taught that following him is not easy: it involves taking up our crosses, facing persecution, even from family members, and being willing to lose our lives for the kingdom. Clearly then, Jesus’ talk of easy yokes and light burdens was not intended as a guarantee of a trouble-free life.

The Jews of Jesus’ day often spoke about taking on the yoke of the Law, which meant following the requirements of the Mosaic Law and, for Pharisees, their highly detailed oral regulations too, spelling out exactly how they felt the biblical Laws should be kept. Jesus believed that all these additional rules were not only unhelpful but damaging. He condemns the scribes and Pharisees for putting heavy burdens on the shoulders of others and not helping to lift them;¹ they were guilty of weighing people down with rules and regulations. Rather than enabling folk to draw closer to God, this only succeeded in making them feel inadequate and distant.

Jesus’ way is different because he offers his followers a relationship with him rather than a set of rules. His Spirit guides and equips us, leading us into roles he has gifted us for, so his yoke fits well and is comfortable. His relationship with us is one of grace: he works alongside us helping us to change gradually rather than pointing the finger and condemning us. If following Christ feels more of a burden than a joy, what might be going wrong?

Lord, when we drift into rule-keeping and become overconfident or try to earn your approval, help us to remember how much we depend on your grace and mercy.

¹ Matt 23:4