Daily Reflections ...

Have you ever seen someone publicly admonished? It is an incredibly uncomfortable experience and as I read today’s Gospel, I have to believe that Jesus had a very good reason for allowing this interaction to be witnessed and recorded.

Jesus critiques the lawyers, saying they “load people with burdens hard to bear, and [they] do not lift a finger to ease them.” Jesus makes it incredibly clear that he is not impressed when we make it difficult for people to come to him.

We can contrast this interaction with Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:29-30 “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”. While the Pharisees and lawyers put forth expectations which were legalistic and lacking mercy, Jesus puts forward the invitation to walk by his side and learn of his ways.  

It can be easy to read today’s Gospel and think “I am neither a Pharisee or a lawyer” and not let the reading impact us. But can I ask you, are there ways you speak or behave which make you less like Jesus and make it difficult for people to encounter him? Are there situations within your sphere of influence where you have the power to remove roadblocks so that people can meet Jesus?

Lastly, are you walking with Jesus, learning his ways, falling in step with him and allowing the grace and joy of your walk with him to draw others to know him more deeply?

by Madelene Wilson