November 9, 2022 - Matthew 11

“Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’ And Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them’” (11:2-5). What’s that old proverb? “The proof’s in the pudding.”

The people’s response? “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds” (11:18-19). Again, the proof’s in the pudding.

The people of Chorazin and Bethsaida and Capernaum would not believe even though they had the proof right in front of them. Woe to them! And woe to those, now, who will not believe. But, oh, the promises to those who will believe! To these, Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (11:28-30). Indeed, what promises are ours! What rest is ours, even in the midst of a world that seems to have gone crazy!

I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“Come unto me and rest;

lay down, O weary one,

lay down your head upon my breast.”

I came to Jesus as I was,

so weary, worn, and sad;

I found in him a resting place,

and he has made me glad. -- Horatius Bonar (1846)