Have you ever been rejected? I’m sure in some way we’ve all experienced the pain of rejection. Jesus can truly identify with our pain. Jesus came to die and take away the sins of mankind through cruel torture on the cross; however, many people did not believe that He was the Chosen One. Matthew details the many people who rejected Jesus and the saddest commentary is that where He spent the most time and performed the most miracles were the people who rejected who He was (11:20-24). Judgment would be greater on those who witnessed the power of Christ, yet turned their back on His message. In response to this great rejection, Jesus praises His Father for giving Him those who were open and receptive of His message of repentance. The “religious crowd” denounced Jesus’ message because they believed that salvation was resolved within themselves and their good works, but Jesus exposed the sinfulness of the human heart declaring that apart from Him there is no salvation. At the end of these verses Jesus says something that is so key…He extends an invitation to those who were weak, tired, and realized that their works were not getting them anywhere. Jesus says come to Me (11:28). Those who come to Him in humility recognizing that they don’t have it all figured out and are broken because of their sin will be the ones whom Jesus will give rest…rest from their efforts to try to impress God. There is such a compassionate side to God’s words where He is reaching out to those who are hurting and desire to put their life back together. Jesus wants us to come to Him, but we must first reach out in an attitude of humility. God rejects pride, but extends His mercy to the humble. The same invitation goes out to you…Go to God those who are weak and frustrated because of their sinful condition and He will provide rest…
Dear God, I accept your invitation for rest because I realize who I really am. Please provide mercy and grace so that I may bring honor to You.
