What human heart doesn’t rise with hopeful longing to the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Those are wonderful words, and they are made even more hope-inspiring by the knowledge of who spoke them. These words were not spoken by a huckster during a late-night infomercial or an election-year politician. They were spoken by the very embodiment of truth. It is Truth Personified who promises rest to those who come to Him. He promised a light burden and an easy yoke. God Himself who never lies spoke these words to the stooped and exhausted children of Adam, and they are true! Wonderfully true!

We could also dwell for a long time on the amazing fact that Jesus begins by saying “come to me.” There is a whole world of grace in that simple invitation. That He beckons us to draw near is amazing enough— that He even wants us near and has made it possible for us to draw near!!!— but then to attach such kind and generous inducements to that invitation. It boggles the mind to think of how deep His goodness to us is. However, and this brings us to the paradox that we’ll be studying together this Sunday, in Matthew 7:14 Jesus describes the path we must walk in coming to Him this way; “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”  How do we reconcile the promise of rest and a light, easy burden with this language about a “hard way?” And of course, Jesus also said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me?” (Matthew 16:24) Is the cross an easy or light burden? Or what about Acts 14:22, “that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God?” That doesn’t sound very restful or easy.  

How do we reconcile these paradoxical teachings in our minds as we live the Christian life?