Come to Me, and I Will Give You Rest

Matthew 11: 25 At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.[a] 27 All 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. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

After a long exposition on missions, and possible suffering and persecution that the sheeps have to go thru ( see the doubt that John the Baptist had.), Jesus now is making a conclusion of sorts. It is an exclusive relationship that Lord Jesus brings us into. And this relationship cannot come by forced or by merit. It has to be revealed to us through the lord Jesus. And surprisingly in v.25 we see that it is not those who are intellects or those who had figure a way out on their own , who will find this 'secret' path; it is a way only provided by God to a very special bunch of people: his children. Indeed, child-likeness is a kingdom characteristics, not knowing everything, but humbly obey everything that is being revealed to us. Obedience plays a very important part in discipleship: will one come under the yoke of Jesus to find the true freedom? (stott); as opposed to the freedom the world offers: to do whatever you want with no consequence? ( of cos that is a lie) gentle and lowly in heart echoes that of Matt 5:5 -> blessed are the meek(gentle) for they shall inherit the land. And for those who allow themselves to be lowered in status and come in humble submission to the lordship of christ, surprisingly would find themselves that discipleship is 'easy and light'; only one who tries it would reap such an experience, it is not problem-free but the journey is made easier when God is near us, always with us.