The Story
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
July 5, 2020

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Jesus said, “To what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ 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, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 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. 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.” 

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Something to Do

Lay your burdens down.

Take two grocery bags and start adding cans or books to the bag, lifting them up between each addition. When you reach your limit, go for a little walk. How does it feel when you lay your burden down?

Take it the another level: label each can, either literally or just in your head, with a burden you are carrying in your life right now. At the end of the exercise, give those burdens to Jesus.

All you who are weary…

Take a nap or sleep in or go to bed early and know that you are resting in Christ.

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Something to Wonder

Never Satisfied

Have you ever felt like you couldn’t make somone (or yourself) happy, regardless of what you did? What was going on in that situation? How did it end up being resolved (if it has been resolved)?

Have you ever been in a situation where you were impossible to satisfy? Why was that and how did it come to an end?

The people complained about John because he didn’t join in their fun. They complained about Jesus because he did. What do you suppose their real complaint was? How is Jesus feeling in this moment?

Hidden from the wise

What do you think Jesus is referring to as being hidden from the wise and revealed to infants? In your experience, what do children know that adults have often forgotten? What do you need to remember of your own childhood wisdom?

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Something to Learn

A Theology of Rest

Take some time to consider rest through the lens of faith.

Balancing Rhythms of Work and Rest from the Theology of Work Project:

Human beings need a rhythm of work and rest in order to live up to their God-given potential. Just as God gives people important work to do, God also asks people to rest periodically from their labor. Work gives each individual the opportunity to partner with God in his goals for creation, while rest lets that person enter into communion with God in enjoyment of creation. Ideally, all people would work and rest in comfortable alternation, leaving humanity physically healthy, mentally stimulated, and spiritually fulfilled.

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Something to Pray

Holy God, we do not always understand your word or your ways. 
Give us wisdom and imagination and courage as we learn and grow. 

The story this week has made me wonder about…
         (what questions are still on your heart?)
Receive my questions and help me hear your answers.

The story this week has filled me with…
         (how are you feeling?)
Accept my praise, heal my hurt, ease my worry.

The story this week has reminded me of…
         (are there situations or people you are thinking of?)
Be with all who are in need of you.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.