His yoke is light

Scripture Lessons

Isaiah 66:1-2

Psalm 134:1-3

Acts 1:15-26

Matthew 11:25-30

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prior to His ascension, Jesus said to the eleven apostles, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Luke 1:8. Matthew records the great commission, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.

The one holy and apostolic Church that we confess is the Church which is built on the teaching of the apostles. It’s not the laying on of hands passing down through the ages, though we have nothing against that practice. When I was ordained our Presiding Pastor (Dr. Leins) laid his hands on me as did the other pastors who were present. But what is really important is the teaching of the apostles being transmitted down from generation to generation. In faithfulness to this responsibility, the apostles put forward Justus and Matthias, two men who fit the qualifications. They were with Jesus beginning with the baptism of John until His ascension. Then they drew lots (like rolling dice) and let God choose the one. God chose Matthias and he was faithful to the office, accepting the roll of apostle and teaching the doctrines of Christ in the early church.

Our gospel lesson from Matthew gives us the doctrines of Christ. It is short and covers so much. Jesus prayed with thanks to God who had, “hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.” In the context of Matthew’s gospel and the events before and after this portion of scripture, it is clear that the “wise and understanding” refers to those who are self-sufficient. They don’t need Jesus, or so they think, because they have it all figured out on their own. They believe, falsely, that they will come to God apart from Christ. That is not so. Jesus is, “the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through [Him].” John 14:6. The so called, “wise and understanding,” won’t receive the Christ because they don’t see their need for Him.

So, who are the “little children.” Some have said that this refers to a special innocence that a child possesses or some special quality that they have which makes them receptive to God’s grace. That is not so. The context of Matthew’s gospel makes this clear also; that little children are those who utterly depend on someone else to care for them. They are unable to change their own diapers, feed themselves, and cloth themselves. They are dependent, not independent, not self-sufficient, but dependent upon someone else. Just so, those who are dependent upon God’s mercy will not be disappointed. As we read from Isaiah 66, “But this is the one to whom I look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.” Our Father in heaven loves the contrite heart that appeals to Him for mercy. And in Christ Jesus, He has had mercy on those who are “poor in spirit,” those who lack self-righteousness.

This is what Jesus means when He goes on to explain that when you take up His yoke, you have rest. (FYI, In the next chapter, Matthew 12, Jesus will proceed to explain that He is the true sabbath rest). In His sermon on the mount, Jesus articulated the full weight of the law. “²¹ “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ ²² But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” Matthew 5:21-22. He went on to expound more law and finally said, “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Is that all? Just be perfect? No problem. I can be perfect, just like the rich young ruler. But this doesn’t sound like an easy yoke, does it?

What is impossible in the law is made possible only by the Gospel. Brothers and sisters in Christ, you are perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect because you are made perfect, righteous, justified, by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Believe the promise and receive the full forgiveness of all of your sins. Claim the birthright that you have through your rebirth in Holy Baptism, in which you were washed of your sins and given the Holy Spirit. These are gifts from God and they are easy to receive because He has opened your eyes to see your need for them and He has opened your eyes and ears to receive His Word.

Christ has carried the heavy yoke of the law for you. He now lives to make intercession for you that you may have the yoke of the Gospel, that is a yoke that is unburdened of the weight of sin because He has taken it away.

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.