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
We can only imagine the sorrow in Jesus’ heart as he acknowledged that people just cannot be pleased. When John the Baptist showed up, living simply and calling people to repentance, they said he had a demon. Then, Jesus came eating and drinking with regular people, and they called him a glutton and a drunkard. It’s like they were looking for any excuse to reject the good news instead of receiving it.
The same can be true today, especially when we get caught up in our own expectations and we miss the invitation Jesus offers in the middle of the chaos. Instead of letting worry, regret, or trying to control everything drag us down, Jesus wants us to stop fighting against the very peace he’s trying to give. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about trusting he will be there for us even when life feels messy.
Prayer
Loving Lord, we praise your relentless patience and steadfast love. Thank you for forgiving us when we allow the noise in our world to make it difficult to hear your voice calling us to surrender all to you and trusting you will give us peace. Amen.
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