Today’s Scripture reading is Matthew 11:20-30.
When you read these, you will find three great observations that I want to call to your attention.
1. God judges people according to their opportunities.
No one should ever take the position that those who don’t hear about Christ can be saved. Speaking of Jesus, Acts 4:12 says, “Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
However, it is also true that not all people will be judged the same on the Day of Judgement. Those who see God’s works yet still refuse to repent will face harsher judgment. In today’s reading, Jesus pronounced woe and harsh judgment on the cities where He had done miracles, and still, people did not repent (Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum). They had much light and knowledge of God’s truth, yet stubbornly refused to repent.
Obviously, those who have greater exposure to God’s truth and continue to reject it will receive harsher judgment. As Jesus said, “To whom much is given, much is required.”
2. Childlike humility is a key to knowing God
We must come to God with humility, sincerity, and trust like a small child, not intellectual pride. In Matthew 11:25, “Jesus declared, ‘I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.’” Of course, the point is that we should have the spirit of a trusting child. Jesus said in Matthew 18:3–4, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
3. Jesus offers us rest for our souls
Look closely at verse 28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He offers rest for our souls—inner relief, peace, and refreshment.
When we come to Jesus, lay down the burdens of sin, the self-effort and pride that weigh us down, and become yoked to him, we find rest and peace in our souls. We will have an inner calmness and confidence that comes from surrendering our will to His.
Lonnie Davis
8 Further Points to Ponder
1. Blessings come with Responsibility.
Jesus reproaches the unrepentant cities, teaching us that greater knowledge of God’s works increases our responsibility to live accordingly.
2. Repentance is a cornerstone of faith.
The call for repentance in the rebuked cities underscores its importance as a fundamental response to God’s nearness and activity.
3. The mysteries of the Kingdom are revealed to those with a childlike faith.
Jesus celebrates the Father’s choice to reveal truths to the “little children,” suggesting a simplicity and humility in faith are prized over worldly wisdom.
4. Jesus is the way to the Father.
Jesus’ statement that no one knows the Son except the Father, and vice versa, along with revealing Him to whom He chooses, emphasizes that understanding and approaching God is through Jesus.
5. The invitation to rest is inclusive.
Jesus calls all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, showcasing God’s open invitation to find rest, regardless of one’s past or present burdens.
6. Following Jesus provides rest for the soul.
The promise of rest for the soul to those who take His yoke upon them offers a spiritual rest found in discipleship and obedience.
7. The yoke of Jesus is designed for us.
By describing His yoke as easy and His burden as light, Jesus contrasts the freedom found in serving Him with the burdens of legalism and sin.
8. Finding rest in Jesus requires action.
The invitation to take, come, take His yoke, and learn from Him reminds us that rest in Christ involves an active commitment to follow and abide by His teachings.