Discite a me (Mt. 11:29)

 

The legalistic tradition with a lot of rules (law) that was instructed by the Jewish leaders especially the Pharisees had become a burden for the people of Israel. Trying to be perfect by following so many regulations would only lead to frustration and weariness. It is hopeless. Human beings have been struggling with sins since the fall of Adam.

Our reading today is preceded by the part in which Jesus explains about himself. He is the Son of God in the Trinity context. He said only God the Father knows him and vice versa. He wants to show that he is the only way to God the Father, and no one or nothing else. John 4:6 said “Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This is important because most people still didn’t understand that he was the incarnation of God on Earth. That means his authority exceeds anything in the world.

The Lord Jesus comes to free all mankind from the useless exhausting struggle to reach perfectness before God. He gives us rest. He doesn’t neglect the law, in fact, he comes to fulfill it (Mt. 5:17). By coming to him, we have the sanctification we long for. This is also a call for discipleship. We submit ourselves to him to learn through the Holy Spirit who works inside us. The goal is a life transformation to reach a Christlike life. As we come to him being a learner and apply his teachings in the world, he provides us with his love, strength, and guidance. He is gentle. He understands that we are weak and that we need him every second. Our yoke becomes bearable because he bears it and thus enables us to do it. He is God but he humbles himself so we are able to reach him and have peace in our soul. It certainly requires an intimate relationship with him. It is not some dead obedience, but willingness to give our hearts to him.

Be careful of legalism. Good work doesn’t save us as it promotes only ourselves and not God. It is Christ alone who saves us. Let no one steal his greatness. To him be the glory forever and ever!

By Desire Litaay.