Like children, we receive help when we’re not too proud to ask for it
By Dean Collins
If you are often around children, you know they are usually quick to ask for help when they start something and get stuck. They also ask for help when they don’t understand or are afraid.
I have watched my grandchildren many times start a task fearlessly, only to discover they overstepped. Quickly they ask for help and show no embarrassment that they needed it. Unfortunately, we all grow out of this childlike honesty and humility. Yet it is this very thing that Jesus requires if we want to experience the full beauty of his rest and of his strength.
Opposition from the know-it-alls
As the ministry of Jesus became more visible, some began to question his authority. Most of the opposition came from the religious leaders who did not like being displaced. They seemed to be quite confident in their knowledge of God’s rules and God’s ways. So it shouldn’t surprise us that Jesus prayed as he did: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!“
Consistently Jesus demonstrated that both he and the Father are not impressed when we think we know it all and especially when act like we have it all figured out. Our pride clouds our view of God and also limits how God chooses to use us in his kingdom. In this prayer, Jesus confirmed that God reveals his truth to those who humbly seek him. It is childlike dependence on God that turns God’s heart to reveal more and more of himself and of his strength to those who come to him with open hands and hearts.
Even with his miracles, the people in some towns refused to repent of their sins, and so Jesus rebuked them. The text suggests that the root of their sin is the great root of all sin, our pride. When we think and act as if we know better, know more, and approach others with a tone of superiority, God will never be pleased.
Relief from the greatest load bearer
As Jesus thanked God for the way he revealed himself and to whom he revealed himself, he then turned to those around him with an offer that he would carry the weight of their burdens. Those who listened were familiar with the weight and pressure of those who acted with religious superiority. The words of Jesus were completely opposite to the words his listeners usually heard from their faith leaders. Jesus offered to give rest to his followers.
The people of God had felt the weight of the law from the Pharisees. Their interpretations usually brought extra work and not relief. Jesus, on the other hand, said that if believers would come to him, then they could take the yoke of Christ. This in turn would allow Jesus to assist in carrying whatever load they were carrying.
Jesus knew what we eventually learn. Our greatest burden is the burden of our sin. The work of Christ on the cross has relieved that burden once and for all. We no longer need to face God or each other carrying the weight of our past mistakes or even the ones we make today. The forgiveness Jesus offers releases us from the burden of shame and frees us to live a life of service.
Challenges in a sinful world
Following Jesus while living in a broken world will never be free from challenges. The systems of the world, including the governments of the world, are not perfect nor are the people who lead them. Sin continues to creep into our human systems, and they will often run counter to the ways of God. This means that living out the kingdom of God will often come with resistance. And this resistance brings more challenges and even burdens. The offer of Jesus means that we never need to face these challenges alone. He will help us carry the load and give us much-needed rest whenever we come to him and ask.
So today, whatever challenges are before you, do not attempt to handle them alone. Take them to Jesus now. Tell him you want his help. Tell him you are tired and the weight of the struggles in life is too much. He will keep his promise and give you rest.
When we stay humble and with childlike faith surrender our lives and our problems to Jesus, he will meet us there every time. His word is true: “My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give is light.”.
Lord forgive us for the many days we have tried to handle things ourselves. We come to you today in faith, asking that you would take our burden and lighten our load. We trust you to step into our situation even as we offer this prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Your time with God’s Word
Matthew 11:25-30 NLT
Photo by Ryan Fields on Unsplash
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