A great question to ask Jesus.

In this Sunday’s Gospel reading (in the postscript) Jesus gives us one of His most comforting invitations, "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

Just prior to this, Jesus is being questioned by some of John the Baptist’s followers.  John is now in prison, and Jesus reflects on how both John and He are being persecuted.

It is in that setting that Jesus delivers His remarks distinguishing the “wise and the learned” (the religious and political leaders) from the meek and lowly, who suffer their persecution, to whom He offers His easy yoke. 

But is Jesus’ yoke really that easy to bear?  And if so, how do we trade our burdens for His yoke?

That is the topic of this week’s video (being released tomorrow) and email messages.  There are two particular ways that we (and the fallen world) place much heavier burdens on ourself than God ever does.  And there are two particular ways that Jesus’ “yoke” is not only easy, but is custom made and tailored to lead us to Heaven and draw us closer to Christ.

As we approach this Sunday, the Gospel reading invites us to reflect on the burdens we bear – and, we’re in no way making light of them,  but if they are not “easy and light” to spend time with the Lord in mental prayer asking Him to show us how He would like to give us a rest.

Blessings on your journey with Christ –

Steve and Karen Smith

Interior Life

Postscript:  Mt 11:25-30

At that time Jesus exclaimed:  "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones.  Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.  All things have been handed over to me by my Father.  No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him."

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."