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
John was a pious ascetic, but who wants to hang out with a self-righteous, judgmental killjoy? Jesus was up for a good party anytime, but shouldn't a truly godly man turn wine into water? How easily we complain about God. Will God ever be good enough for us? Will God ever get it right? God is not all judgment nor is God all blessing and joy. Through Jesus' cross, God is at work in the midst of sin and sorrow, pain and death. Through the resurrection, God is the life of the party. Trust that God works through everything in order to offer gracious rest to all.
Prayer
Father, Lord of heaven and earth, reveal yourself to us both in our joys and in our sorrows. Amen.