Read Matthew 11:25-30

This passage captures some of the most familiar and cherished words of Jesus. No understanding of Him would be complete apart from His invitation to the worn and weary to “Come to [Him]” and His promise to “give you rest . . . rest for your souls.” What could ever articulate God’s heart for humanity more perfectly?

But as wonderful as this invitation of promise is, we shouldn’t overlook the detail that it’s proceeded by the words, “At that time.” What time does this refer to, and does it shed more light on what Jesus is saying here?

The “time” referred to is the time when Jesus was actually rebuking the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, which had all witnessed many of His works but ultimately rejected Him. There was a spiritual expectation the people of these cities had not fulfilled, and Christ called them out on it.

So, understand that it’s in response to being rejected that Jesus now prays to His Father and thanks Him for hiding things from the wise and revealing them to little children. What’s going on here with this prayer?

Again, the context clarifies that the “wise” were those who’d just rejected Him. They’re “wise” only in the sense that they’re wise within themselves. Instead of seeing their need for Jesus and what He offers them, they see themselves as having everything all figured out. And it’s to this attitude of heart the Father keeps the realities of Christ and His kingdom hidden—and not just to the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, but to anyone who shares their attitude.

By contrast, the “little children” point to those who are totally convinced they need Christ and all He offers. It’s to them the Father works to reveal the truth of Jesus and His kingdom. These are those who hear and heed the invitation to “come” and who receive the promise of “rest for [their] souls.” And this promise is certain and sure because it’s the Father, Himself, who’s working to accomplish it!

What should our response be to all of this? It should be the same response we see in Jesus, which is praise and thanks to the Father. When we see the Son say to the Father, “I praise You,” we need to be 100% in step with that. In what He conceals and in what He reveals, God is to be praised and trusted because trust is the foundation of praise.

1. How does this passage affect your understanding of salvation and the Father’s role in it?
2. How are you seeking the rest of Jesus?

Read Matthew 12:1-8

Laws help society maintain order, and they protect people. In Exodus, we see God provide the people of Israel, His people, and His nation with laws to govern themselves by. These laws were meant to help people draw closer to Him and also to create a harmonious, productive, and safe nation. However, religious leaders began adding to the Law of Moses somewhere along the way. Did these additions do anything to benefit Jewish culture? No. In fact, in many ways, they made it harder for people to come to God.

One clear example of this was the additions to the fourth commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8 NIV). To be clear, God Himself enjoyed and instituted the Sabbath (Genesis 2:2–3; Exodus 20:8–11). It was a holy day set aside for rest and communion with Him, a day to remind the people that God is in control, that He provides, and that He can be trusted with everything. But Israel had disobeyed the Sabbath for 490 years and suffered the consequences. In response to ensure the Sabbath was kept, the scribes overcorrected by adding bylaws. According to this rabbinical tradition, there were almost 40 types of prohibited labor and almost 40 ways within those categories to violate the Sabbath.

So, in these eight verses, what the Pharisees were objecting to when they saw Jesus’ disciples gathering grain wasn’t that they were eating or gathering from someone’s field, which was not unlawful (Deuteronomy 23:24–25), but that they plucked the grain and rubbed the chaff from the wheat because according to their added tradition/bylaws, this was a violation of the Sabbath. Essentially, they were “guilty” of reaping and threshing—both “unlawful” on the Sabbath.

In God’s eyes, the disciples were keeping the Sabbath by resting and communing with Jesus. Ironically, the Pharisees broke the Sabbath by making it a burden. But look at Jesus’ response to the Pharisees: He used their knowledge and superficial righteousness against them! He pointed them back to David and reminded them how he literally broke the law by taking the showbread from the tabernacle and giving it to his starving men. Jesus demonstrated the true heart of God that human need (mercy) supersedes ceremonial law (sacrifice).

This is absolutely necessary for us to understand: It’s not the Sabbath that is to be worshipped, but the Lord of the Sabbath. It’s not the law that draws us near to God or makes us innocent; it’s His Son! Only through Jesus can we have a right standing with God. He brings us near to God, cleanses us, and Is our true rest and restoration. He’s our provision and protection. And unlike the Pharisees, unlike religion, Jesus doesn’t put obstacles in our path to drawing near to God. May we never forget this, so we don’t ever feel burdened to do so to have the right standing with God, and we never put works-based religious obstacles in anyone’s path.

3. What do you see as the problem with people trying to maintain a right standing with God through their own works?
4. How do you fight the temptation to fall into religiosity?

This Week

Examine your heart and life to see if there is any way you’re letting religiosity take away the blessings God wants for your life. 

Memory Verse

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.””—Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

Prayer Guide

Father God, because of Your great love and because of the willingness of Jesus, I can be right with You. It’s because of Your grace I’ve been set free from sin and can enjoy a relationship with You. Thank You for being the Lord of the Sabbath. Thank You for being my rest, restoration, and provision. Lord, search my heart and show me anything that restricts me from enjoying this amazing grace so I can leave it at the cross. Amen.

If you have questions you aren’t sure of, please reach out to us at CalvaryFTL.org/Questions.