Read Matt 11:20–30
Mat 11:25-30 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; (26) yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. (27) All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. (28) Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Jesus has said this a number of times. We must become like little children if we are to enter the kingdom of heaven. To be like a little child is to be totally dependent upon our parents and in this case upon our Heavenly Father. If we think we can get eternal life by our works or machinations we are terribly wrong. There is nothing we can do or contribute to enter into eternal life. If we really wanted to know the truth of it, there is nothing we do or have which isn’t given to us by God our Father, whether we believe in him or not.
It is through faith in Jesus that we know the Father. This faith is given to us as a gift through hearing the good news. Yes faith is not something that we work up in ourselves. Jesus alone through Holy Spirit preaching the good news reveals the Father to us. Jesus tells us in John’s gospel, you did not choose me but I chose you. So such is the case, if we have faith in Christ and the Father it is because Jesus has revealed himself and the Father to our hearts and created faith within us.
In the midst of this revelation Jesus invites us to come to him. Do your sins and guilt weigh you down? Is your shame too much to bear? Is life itself just to hard to handle? Jesus will give you rest. Jesus has take your yoke upon himself on the cross. He has plowed the field ahead of you already. Jesus is gentle and will not cast aside anyone who comes to him broken of heart and spirit. Jesus makes you acceptable to God in the throne room of grace. His yoke is easy and light because it is his yoke. He is bearing the load. We simply must trust his promise that it is so and we will feel the relief in our souls.
We can cast our cares upon God because he cares for us, he cares for you.
Lord Jesus Christ, reveal yourself and the Father to us in your Gospel Promise that faith may be created in us that we may trust your promises and come to you and be lifted from our cares and burdens of our souls and find rest in the arms of your cross. Amen.