I think Jesus had had a rough few days and was not feeling the best. By the time we reach the eleventh chapter of Matthew’s gospel they had taught extensively about the kingdom, healed many and called disciples. But Jesus is feeling that they just can’t win – if they try to be an ascetic like John they’ll say, ‘he has a demon’; and, as it is they are accusing Jesus of being a ‘glutton and a drunkard’. So, Jesus is not feeling over happy, and from that place of discouragement he reproaches the cities that will not welcome them. It is perhaps a comfort to realise that even Jesus can have a bad day. For Jesus, the embodiment of God, experienced the full range of our human emotions and was not afraid of them...
But then it is interesting to see how Jesus combats that in their own being. The text invites us to eavesdrop on Jesus, as they respond to the hostility Jesus faces with prayer and praise. It is a prayer that goes to the heart of who Jesus is and of their relationship with God. It is a response to difficulty that we could seek to emulate. For Jesus suggests by their actions here that the better response is one of praise and thanks. “I thank you Father, Lord of heaven and earth’ he says.
Jesus goes on to point out that understanding is not given to the wise – in this case the Jewish authorities whose pride does not allow them to see the truth – but to little children. I can’t help wondering who else listened to this prayer – perhaps the Jewish leaders who would not have been happy to hear themselves characterised as wise but blind; but perhaps also those simple of heart who would have cheered to hear themselves named as the ones to whom God speaks, and as the ones whom God would help.
Jesus promises that we can learn from them, from their gentleness and humility, and find rest for our troubled souls. Jesus is not suggesting that we should allow ourselves to be walked over but rather that we align ourselves to this gentle strength and there find the courage to continue even on our most difficult days.
And these are difficult days, even here in one of the luckiest states of the lucky country. So, when we are feeling down and out; when we cannot see the way clearly; when like Jesus we find ourselves surrounded by hostile forces; then like Jesus we need to turn back to God with gratitude, claiming our relationship as beloved children and our home in God. So, if today you are feeling that the burden is heavy, just as Jesus did on that bad day, remember his example – after you’ve had your moan, turn to God with thanks and praise. Then seek the grace of the child-like, who know their needs will be met, and their weariness embraced in the gentle strength of the God who loves us. In whose name, Amen.
Penny Jones, Sunday 5 July 2020
Jesus goes on to point out that understanding is not given to the wise – in this case the Jewish authorities whose pride does not allow them to see the truth – but to little children. I can’t help wondering who else listened to this prayer – perhaps the Jewish leaders who would not have been happy to hear themselves characterised as wise but blind; but perhaps also those simple of heart who would have cheered to hear themselves named as the ones to whom God speaks, and as the ones whom God would help.
Jesus promises that we can learn from them, from their gentleness and humility, and find rest for our troubled souls. Jesus is not suggesting that we should allow ourselves to be walked over but rather that we align ourselves to this gentle strength and there find the courage to continue even on our most difficult days.
And these are difficult days, even here in one of the luckiest states of the lucky country. So, when we are feeling down and out; when we cannot see the way clearly; when like Jesus we find ourselves surrounded by hostile forces; then like Jesus we need to turn back to God with gratitude, claiming our relationship as beloved children and our home in God. So, if today you are feeling that the burden is heavy, just as Jesus did on that bad day, remember his example – after you’ve had your moan, turn to God with thanks and praise. Then seek the grace of the child-like, who know their needs will be met, and their weariness embraced in the gentle strength of the God who loves us. In whose name, Amen.
Penny Jones, Sunday 5 July 2020
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