Declared in Prayer

January 24, 2010

Background Scripture: Matthew 11:25 – 30
Lesson Passage: Matthew 11:25 – 30

How does the Messiah pray? What does he pray for and what does he pray about? Since Israel had been waiting for many years for the Messiah, how were they to know when he had arrived on the scene? In our lesson today we examine further evidence of Jesus as the Messiah as revealed through his prayer. This prayer comes at the end of a very harsh rebuke of those that were witnesses of his miracles but they still refused to yield to his message. Jesus declared that the works he did were enough evidence to cause the truly repentant to turn to God and be spared. After citing examples of cities from the past that were condemned as a warning to those that were indifferent during the time of his ministry, he then turned to the Father in prayer.

Jesus thanked God for opening the eyes of the spiritual babes while blinding the wise and the prudent. He was thankful because this was good in the Father’s sight to do so. He then declared himself to be the only link between God and man. All things come from the Father through Jesus. There is no other route or “Plan B”. There is no relationship with the Father outside of Jesus. This is a very dogmatic statement within the Christian faith. If a person is to know God, it can only be done through the Son. Jesus is not a way to God but he is the only way! This is a very different view than the philosophy within many other religious faiths of the world. Whereas many people believe and are taught that there are many ways to achieve spiritual salvation, this is in stark contrast to the Christian view that Jesus is, without equal, the only way that God has given to mankind to be saved eternally. The only way to know God is to accept the revelation of him as revealed through his son Jesus.

Jesus then made an impassioned plea, “Come unto me all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This was and continues to be the greatest invitation ever extended to mankind. Jesus offered to bring us to the Father. He promised to provide rest for weary souls. The invitation is for us to take on Jesus’ Lordship or yoke. He characterizes himself as an ideal Master. He does not overburden us or make our relationship with him difficult. His yoke is easy and his burden is light. He invites us to accept his Lordship and learn of him and thereby we shall find rest for our souls. Only the Messiah could do such a thing and Jesus declared it in prayer.

Robert C. Hudson
January 13, 2010