I hope you have been gleaning wonderful nuggets of comfort and encouragement as well as impetus to grow spiritually as we have reflected on these verses this summer. If you’re dropping in today for the first time, we’ve been reading and meditating on Matthew 11:28-30.
Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Jesus
If you’re interested in reading the past reflections, I recommend starting with Word on Wednesday.
This week’s passage for reflection “…for I am gentle and humble in heart…”
Once again, English does not clearly convey the same meaning the original language of this passage conveys.
Gentle may give connotations of tender or soft.
Humble may give connotations of letting others have their way, or being “less than”.
Neither could be further from the original intent.
Gentle means strength under control; like a powerful stallion under bridle. The horse can literally run away with its rider, easily overpowering the weaker human but instead submits itself to the direction given with the bridle.
Photo by Gül Kurtaran on Unsplash
Humble means to be emptied of self. (which is not only difficult to do but even harder to find an image to convey the word!)
Where some have said Jesus Christ was simply a good teacher and didn’t have strength to stand up to Rome or the Jewish leaders, understanding these words now, perhaps you can see the bigger picture of His gentle and humble nature within the context of the full counsel of God.
Jesus chose humility (Phil 2) He embodied the characteristics of the Messiah the Jews were waiting for (Zechariah 9:9) He modeled what a life with God looks like.
Jesus tells us how following Him in faith is easier than the works of other religious systems. Being a Christ-follower is easier because He does the work, the effort, and the Helper, Holy Spirit, gives us strength to come alongside Jesus in our daily life.
So how does this look for you? Perhaps it begins with a simple prayer of acknowledgement: ” I am not able to get through this day without your strength, wisdom and grace. Help me look to You in my moments today.” OR maybe it’s a “Jesus Help Me” prayer in the middle of little people!
The important part of the prayer is FAITH. Believe He will give you what you NEED. It’s not always what you WANT. But it’s always what you NEED.
Jesus is inviting us to come along with Him moment by moment. The result is what we need.
Keep meditating, reflecting and memorizing!
