Scripture: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 NRSV
Context
This passage takes place after Jesus completes his directions to the disciples as he sends them forth on their mission(Matthew 10). Perhaps unexpectedly, he does not go with them or wait for them to return. Instead, he continues his own itinerant teaching mission, presumably in the cities of Galilee(11:1).
By this time, news of Jesus’ ministry has come to John, then in prison. John sends his disciples to ask Jesus a key question, “Are you the one who is to come, or are to wait for another?”(11:3). There is apparently some doubt in John’s mind about Jesus’ status as messiah(cf. 3:13-17). So he dispatches emissaries to ask Jesus, essentially in code, his messianic status or identity.
Asked a question in code, Jesus responds in kind. He tells John’s disciples to go and tell what they see and hear(11:4-6), i.e., “the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news preached to them.” This list dovetails clearly with the testimony of Isaiah (35:5-6) about what will characterize the “return of the redeemed to Zion.” The inference is that the evidence in plain sight should be convincing and compelling, but John will have to decide for himself–just as we do.
Jesus then begins to speak favorably about John, asserting that, for those “willing to accept it, he is Elijah” . . . that is, the forerunner of the messiah. Neither Jesus nor John, however, has received the kind of welcome that should have been expected, at least from the religious authorities of the time. The complaint about John is that he is too strict. The complaint about Jesus is that he is too lenient. People are upset with each of them, though for opposite reasons.
Jesus’ frustration is vented in the five verses not included in this week’s lesson (11:20-24). They are words of rebuke for towns in Galilee that should have responded to Jesus’ ministry with repentance and thanksgiving, but instead have gone their own self-absorbed way.
After these words of reproach, the focus of the passage changes dramatically. It moves from disgust with the proud and haughty who reject Jesus to appreciation for the lowly and humble who accept him. It closes with a powerful invitation for all those who are “weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest”(11:28).
Rest, of course, is not a permanent condition. It is meant to be a time of refreshment and renewal. We are not exempt from carrying a burden; instead, we are called to share it with one who knows the situation best of all. We are not freed from the yoke of obedience; we are partnered with one who knows us and desires the best for us.
Reflection Questions
- When are we like the proud and haughty who live like they have no need of Jesus? When are we like the humble and penitent who know clearly their need of Jesus?
- What is most burdensome to us in the life of faith? What weighs us down? What wears us out?
- What would the rest promised by Jesus look like? What would it feel like? What would it sound like? What would it taste like?
- When are we at our best in meeting the opportunities and challenges of faith?
Prayer
Lord, help us not to live as though we have no need of you. Help us to live humbly. Help us to live wisely. Help us to hear your invitation to come to you and find rest. May we take your yoke upon us and learn from you. Amen.
