Matthew 11:25-30, Come to Me and I Will Give You Rest

25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Comments

“Little children” describes innocent babes, who are humble, simple people without education, who nevertheless understood Jesus and believed in him and his word. In their pride, the intellectuals rejected him, while the humble accepted him.

Jesus’ greatest claim is that he alone can reveal God to human beings. This is why the Father sent him. And to all who come to him, he will give relief and life as they enter into the service of God. Matthew claims that Jesus fulfills the prophetic promise of Isaiah 40:1-5:

1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.

3 A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Prayer

You have called us, O God, to be your people. You have loved us and chosen us for your own. Clothe us with your compassion, your kindness, your humility, your gentleness, and your patience. Help us forgive one another as you have forgiven us. And bind us all together in the perfect unity of your love.