The unfortunate image conjured up by this passage in the minds of many is of a poor suffering beast of burden, a hundred pound slab of oak laced to his back, a plow tied behind, laboring in the hot sun from sunup to sundown. Not a very appealing life!

There are two ways to read Jesus’ invitation, Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Most commentators, theologians, pastors, and teachers, through the years have interpreted this passage through a salvationary lens. It may be, however, that a more subtle reading strikes closer to home, and perhaps probes more meaningfully to the heart of Jesus’ intent.

The familiar passage from Matthew 7 is usually associated with prayer, and the promise of answered prayer: Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.

No pithier visual imagery exists in Jesus’ teaching than his clever use of the speck and log in the matter of fault-finding.

The cross has become the essential symbol of Christianity. It was not so, however, when Jesus spoke these words.

There are many ”firsts” in the Gospel story -- the first disciples called, the first command, the first sermon, the first Follow me, etc. We have noted some of these as we have progressed through the Commands. One of the most instructive such firsts occurs in Matthew 5:3: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

This is a very interesting and seriously convicting command. And one mostly ignored by the vast majority of Christendom’s churches.

Contrary to what many think, Jesus had nothing against either money or rich people. Many of his closest friends were possessors of means.

We here encounter a Command made all the more intriguing when we consider to whom Jesus addressed it. He did not speak these words to his disciples or followers or to the crowds. This was his response to Satan after the final temptation in the wilderness. Can we then consider it a universal Command which Jesus places upon his followers as well?