Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 on biblegateway.com
Verse 16"But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, Verse 17'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.' Verse 18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon'; Verse 19the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds."
Verse 25At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; Verse 26yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. Verse 27All 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. Verse 28"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Verse 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Verse 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Devotion
Jesus' words of conviction here hit home. If Jesus or John the Baptist were our contemporaries, would we, like the crowds, be so quick to disregard their righteousness? The beginning of this week's gospel reading challenges us to examine ourselves. Jesus, who regularly ate and drank with tax collectors, is calling us to do the same thing. A life of faith is truly countercultural and takes place far outside of our comfort zones. Loving God and our neighbors is no easy task. Jesus’ words are a reminder and call for us to always be ready and willing. What might God be calling us to do today? To whom might God be sending us to serve? God is constantly shattering our expectations, and offering us the privilege of being invited into the work of building God’s kingdom.
Prayer
God of justice, guide us into neighborly relationships so that we may live with and for all of your children. Amen.