Proper 9: Gospel, Matthew 11:25-30                                     

Matthew 11:25-30 

Our gospel for the week includes verses used, I believe, more than any other in my ministry to troubled hearts. I usually focus just on verses 28-30.  “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden …” (v.28). The week’s reading begins in verse 25 and as wonderful as Jesus’ words to His disciples are, if we will take the time to read a bit “wider” another element may enter which only enhances the words of our Lord. Five times in this brief passage Jesus mentions His Father (and ours). And if you will read a bit wider and take in all of what Jesus says here, you will find that the comfort Jesus offers, at least a portion of it, comes from the relationship Jesus has with His Father and shares with us. In fact, it is only in and through Jesus that we have a relationship with His Father.

Jesus offers rest. Our final rest comes in the reality of entering the Father’s house as we enter the New Heavens and New Earth. Jesus has saved us into a large family. Jesus calls us to Himself in part that we might rest in the Father as Jesus does. We will see that truth if we simply read a bit wider.

Note to my readers: I will be taking the following week off from writing. It’s time for a brief time away. Jesus is with us and for us. Devotions will resume on Tuesday July 18. God’s peace to you all.