09.28.08
Invitation to Belief
The Curse of the Cities of Galilee (Matt. 11:20-30)
Invitation to Belief (Matt. 11:28-30)
All around Jesus were the very evident signs of unbelief and rejection. That did not deter Him from extending His invitation to those that were listening to trust Him. He invites His hearers to receive His yoke.
Edershiem says – One of the most common figurative expressions of the time was that of ‘the yoke’ . . . to indicate submission to an occupation or obligation. Thus, we read not only of the ‘yoke of the Law,’ but of that of ‘earthly governments,’ and ordinary ‘civil obligations.’ . . . to ‘take upon oneself the yoke’ meant to submit to it of free choice and deliberate resolution.
But it is more than just submission. It is to be His disciple as well, for we need to learn from Him. We are to emulate Him! It wasn’t suppose to be a hard or heavy yoke – like the ones offered by the Pharisees that these folks were so familiar with. It was a light yoke, not unbearable at all. Jesus is gentle and humble in heart, a welcome respite to these folks that had been so burdened. Jesus did what He taught, and He taught what He did.
Is it like that for us? Or do we feel like we have a burden to carry, and it is the burden of religion? Or of living up to others expectations. Or maybe it is keeping up appearances. If we experience the gentle yoke of Christ, we should be able to experience that peace that passes understanding flowing from the Father – where peace is given freely to His kids. Really – what is it like for you? And why is it that way?
