The SImplifier
Sometimes we find ourselves burdened with concerns and requirements that make life hard.
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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
According to one of the commentaries I read about this Gospel passage, Jesus proposed an alternative to the heavy burdens of the many laws of the Pharisees by simplifying them, by getting to the point.
I think what it comes down to is a matter of trust and respect.
If I believe you are capable of thinking for yourself, I can give you a simple instruction and trust that you will use your intelligence to work it out.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
That's simple.
But if I don't have much confidence in your ability to think for yourself, if I see you as a child in need of constant supervision, I will need to spell out everything for you.
Go ahead, Jesus is telling us, decide for yourself, and if you need help, remember I am with you always.
I like that.
Yes, it can be scary at times, trying to figure our for myself what is right and what is wrong. But I have examples to draw on in the from of his teachings, his parables and his actions.
It is not a question of What Would Jesus Do? so much as it is an appreciation for the fact that all I do I do with him beside me.
The burden of law is simplified, and that makes it easier to follow.
Sure, I can convince myself that I am following the way without doing the work, but that is where the maturity of our faith that Paul talks about comes into play. I fool no one if I just go through the motions.
I need to walk the walk and talk the talk.
So, that's what this passage says to me. Be real.
It's simple. Not easy. But simple.
More to come...