Jesus, in the preceding chapters, has been showing His followers that He is the prophesied Messiah. Jesus healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, set free the captives, and carried the burdens of the people to His Father.
Yet in the towns where a large number of these miracles took place, many responded in unbelief. As we enter this Scripture, Jesus opens with a heart of thankfulness for those His Father has called and a life-giving promise to all who would come.
Matthew 11:25-30
25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 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. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ Review Matthew 11:20-24. How do those in the three cities respond to Jeus’s miracles?
+ In verse 25 what is Jesus thanking His Father for?
+ From our reading in Matthew, give an example of someone from the “wise and understanding” group things were hidden from.
+ Give an example of someone from the “little children” group things were revealed to.
+ Who’s will it is that the simple would be made wise and the wise would prove simple? [v26]
+ Who has access to the Father and how? [v27]
+ In verse 28, who is invited to come to Jesus?
+ What action does this person have to take?
+ What promise is given to those who believe and obey God's call?
+ Verse 29 begins with imperative commands for those who would come. What two verbs describe the requirement of those who would follow Jesus?
+ What does Matthew tell us about the character of the Father/Son throughout the passage?
+ Specifically also in verse 29 and 30?
+ What does the Father promise in response to open-handed obedience [v29b]
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How have I recently “come” to the Father? How am I learning from Him?
+ Am I yoked to Jesus or am I carrying my own burdens?
+ What am I believing about the character of the Father today?
+ Am I coming in child-like faith and trusting what He says is true?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?