Some refer to the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday as Holy Saturday. The Scriptures are silent about what Jesus’ disciples did that day. They do not seem to have done anything worth recording. This may have been because it was the Sabbath, and their movements were restricted. Or perhaps the disciples were overwhelmed with grief. Maybe it was too personal to share. Following Jesus does not exempt us from grief or difficulty. Indeed, Jesus used the metaphor of the cross to help His followers understand the cost of discipleship. But He also promised to bear the load for them. In today’s passage Jesus promises rest to all those who receive the yoke of discipleship. A yoke is an unlikely metaphor for rest. It is normally an instrument of labor, placed on the neck of a beast of burden. The yoke enables the ox to carry a heavy load. Because of this, it is sometimes an image of slavery or hard labor in Scripture. In Exodus 6:6, the Lord promised to bring Israel out from under “the yoke of the Egyptians.” The New Testament characterizes the law of Moses as a “yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear” and a “yoke of slavery” (Acts 15:10; Gal. 5:1). Jesus offers rest from weariness. But this is not a life of ease. The image of the yoke implies allegiance and service. In light of Jesus’ rebuke aimed at those towns where Jesus had done most of His miracles, the yoke is also a symbol of grace. Those who accept the yoke of the Savior are not wiser than others. They are “little children” whose eyes have been opened by the Father (vv. 25–27). >> Rest, as Jesus describes it, must be done for us. We do not manage ourselves into rest or attain it by discipline. What Jesus says in today’s verse might be translated as something like “I will rest you” or “I will refresh you.” Rest in Him today!

I remember the first time I saw my mother cry. She told me that she had bumped her head. But I suspect there was a deeper reason. Whatever the cause, her tears disturbed me. We are not used to thinking of our parents as vulnerable or fragile. We may have similar feelings as we read John’s questions for Jesus. Word had reached John in prison about what Jesus had been doing. The report did not match John’s expectations. He had predicted Jesus would come with fiery judgment. According to John, Jesus was an axe aimed at the root of every tree that didn’t produce good fruit (Matt. 3:10). John had said that the one who came after him would burn the chaff with unquenchable fire (Matt. 3:12). Yet judgment had not come, and here was John, languishing in Herod’s dungeon, the political prisoner of a wicked king (Luke 3:19–20). Jesus confirmed reports that John had heard—in language drawn from Isaiah 35:4–6. John’s expectation wasn’t false, but one-sided. John had foreseen the day of judgment, but this was the day of grace. Jesus’ words set His ministry within a larger context and included the gentle reproof: “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me” (v. 6). Jesus pointed out that John was the one Malachi had predicted would prepare the way for the Messiah (Mal. 3:1; 4:5). Jesus not only paid tribute to John, He also identified Himself as the Messiah. John was not the only one impatient with Jesus’ agenda. After praising John, Jesus went on to compare “this generation” to children who would not be satisfied with anything He did. >> This is Good Friday, the day when many Christians commemorate the crucifixion of the Savior. The hardness of heart that Jesus criticizes in today’s passage eventually ripened to murderous hate. But the suffering He endured created the opportunity for Christ’s greatest surprise: His Resurrection.

Someone once called Jesus the greatest marketing genius of all time. Today’s passage shatters this false image. If He hoped to market His message to His contemporaries, He was surely the worst marketer of all time. We sometimes present the gospel as a solution to life’s problems. Are you lonely? Is your marriage in trouble? Trust in Jesus. Yet Jesus’ teaching conveys a different message. Jesus warned His would-be followers that their allegiance to Him might create problems, and these problems would surface in their most cherished relationships. It’s noteworthy that the kinds of relationships mentioned by Jesus in verses 34–35 are all focused within one’s family. Jesus experienced this first-hand at the beginning of His ministry when the members of His extended family claimed that He had lost His mind (Mark 3:21). Jesus’ own brothers ridiculed Him, although His brother James later came to believe (John 7:1–10; James 1:1; Acts 12:17). Jesus’ warning comes from Micah 7:6, a passage that many of Jesus’ contemporaries understood as a depiction of conditions that would take place prior to the arrival of the Messianic kingdom. This wasn’t only a practical warning to those who intended to follow Jesus but also a signal to those who heard that Jesus was Israel’s promised Messiah. Jesus lays down a stark condition. Anyone who intends to follow Jesus must be prepared to put Him first in every relationship. We are still obligated to love our parents, spouse, and children but we must love Jesus more (v. 37). These aren’t slick promises designed to win customers. They are an uncompromising call to take up the cross and follow Jesus. >> Has your commitment to Christ created problems with someone you love? You are not alone. As painful as it may be, Jesus really is worthy of such unrivaled devotion. Christ’s love for those you love far surpasses your own.

Billy Graham was famous for his large evangelistic meetings. He followed in the steps of other evangelists, such as George Whitefield and D. L. Moody. Graham was a pioneer in evangelism by radio and television. His aim was to invite all people by whatever means necessary to put their faith in Christ. The mission statement in today’s passage seems much narrower by comparison. When Jesus first sent out the twelve, He included this surprising stipulation: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel” (vv. 5–6). If Jesus really is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, why didn’t He send the apostles to Gentiles as well as Jews? The answer is that Jesus did just that, but only after the Resurrection. Some scholars call this mission the “little commission” to distinguish it from the “great commission” (Matt. 28:16–20). On this occasion they came as representatives of Israel’s Messiah, announcing the imminent approach of the kingdom in the person of Jesus Christ (v. 7). They were authorized to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and drive out demons. These were not marketing techniques or relief work, but signs of divine power and authority which served as proof of the nearness of the kingdom (Acts 2:22). The focus of the apostles’ message changed after the Resurrection. The theme of the kingdom did not disappear (Acts 8:12; 14:22; 19:8; 20:25; 28:23, 31). But now they proclaimed it in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul would later summarize it as “the message of the cross” (1 Cor. 1:18). His priorities mirrored those established by Christ: to the Jew first and also to the Gentile (Rom. 1:16; 2:10). >> We are not bound by the limitations of the “little” commission. We can take along an extra shirt or more than one pair of shoes. But we are bound by the same gospel. We must preach faith in Christ as the only way to enter His kingdom.

In a popular song from the 1960s artist Dobie Gray sang, “I’m in with the in- crowd.” According to the song, “You ain’t nowhere until you’ve been in.” One of the obstacles Jesus faced was a result of the company He kept. He was definitely not in with “the in-crowd.” The furor that arose after Jesus called Matthew is one example. The writer of this Gospel had made himself rich by collecting taxes for the Roman authorities. Unlike our taxes, which are regulated and standardized, Roman tax collectors were more like extortionists. They were contracted for a certain amount by the Roman government and were paid from the extra amount they collected for themselves. Locals considered them traitors for collaborating with the enemy. That’s what makes the choice of Matthew as a disciple so surprising! Jesus not only allowed Matthew to become one of His disciples, He actively recruited this unpopular man. What’s more, Jesus did this publicly by calling Matthew away from the tax collector’s booth (v. 9) and by accepting an invitation to eat a meal in Matthew’s house with the tax collector’s disreputable friends and colleagues (v. 10). This scandalous behavior intensified the criticism Jesus had elicited when He declared the sins of a paralyzed man forgiven (v. 3). Not only did He associate with the wrong sort of people, Jesus’ enemies felt He overstepped. After all, only God can forgive sins. Jesus’ enemies were right. Jesus did what God alone can do. Jesus did not come to ingratiate Himself with the in-crowd. He came to call outcasts and sinners as His followers. There is only one in-crowd that matters. Where sin is concerned, we are all outsiders. >> Do you feel pressure to impress your friends, coworkers, or neighbors? Today, we see that Jesus did not make this a priority. In fact, he chose unlikely people as His disciples and dinner companions. How can you follow His example today?

What makes you fearful? Spiders? Lightning storms? The dark? Fear can stop us in our tracks and make our heart beat faster. But not all fear is bad. The Bible describes a different type of fear, one that implies an attitude of awe and respect. Proverbs 9:10 calls the fear of the Lord “the beginning of wisdom.” Today’s passage describes two different instances of fear. In one, the disciples are afraid of a storm and cry out to Jesus to save them. This storm was both real and dangerous. Matthew labeled it a “furious” storm in verse 24, using a word that elsewhere describes the shaking of an earthquake. The storm was so fierce the boat was in danger of being swamped. But in the face of this emergency, Jesus chided them for their fear. He calmed the storm, and their fear turned to puzzled amazement. The other instance describes the fear felt by the townspeople after Jesus restored two demon-possessed men to their right mind. Jesus cast the demons into a herd of pigs who promptly drowned in a lake. The townspeople, who were probably Gentiles, were more afraid of Jesus than the demons and pleaded with Him to leave their region. Their reaction and the befuddlement of the disciples reveal problems of faith. For the disciples it was a case of incomplete faith. And, while they had some faith, the inhabitants of the Gadarene village seem to have had none at all. The message? Those who have a little faith can increase in faith. Those who have no faith have no hope. It is not fear that is our problem, but faithlessness. The remedy for the paralyzing fear is the empowerment that comes through faith in Christ. >> You may have good reasons for feeling afraid today. Fear is what we feel when we face problems that are beyond our control. Jesus has power over the natural and supernatural realms. Even if you only have a little faith, entrust yourself and your situation to Christ today.

A popular website allows students to rate their college professors. The evaluations rate the professor by overall quality and level of difficulty. Students can also include comments about their experience. How would Jesus have scored on such a site? According to Matthew 7:28, His students were “amazed” by His teaching. One of Jesus’ most notable features was His authority. The teachers of the law in Jesus’ day often quoted those under whom they had studied or other widely recognized teachers as the authority for what they said. Jesus appealed directly to Scripture and to His own authority. Another reason Jesus’ teaching left people “amazed” is that He often included provocative statements and parables. But not everyone who heard Jesus was “amazed” in a good way. Jesus was no entertainer and wasn’t trying to earn a good rating from those who listened. Even His own followers were sometimes alarmed by what He said (Matt. 15:12). Jesus’ teaching could be disturbing and even mystifying. What He said was not always simple, nor was it always easy to accept. Some people portray Jesus as a homespun philosopher who taught people using simple stories. In today’s lesson about the wise and foolish builders, the message was hard hitting. Jesus’ teaching astonished His friends and outraged His enemies, angering them so much that they wanted to kill Him. We need to pay careful attention to the warning Jesus gives (vv. 26–27). We must build our lives on a solid foundation. Jesus’ assessment of those who reject His teaching is characteristically blunt. Whoever ignores the teaching of Jesus is a fool. >> If you are struggling with Christ’s teaching today, ask God to give you understanding and a heart filled with faith. What Jesus teaches is not common sense. It is revelation from God. Because of this, we need the help of God’s Spirit both to understand and accept what Jesus has to say.

In her book Team of Rivals, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin described how Abraham Lincoln chose an unlikely group of leaders to serve as his cabinet. Instead of surrounding himself with friends, he chose opponents and competitors. “[That] was evidence of a profound self-confidence and a first indication of what would prove to others a most unexpected greatness,” Goodwin observes. Some may find Jesus’ selection of His inner circle even more surprising. He did not choose His disciples for their natural potential. They would all fail Him in the end. Jesus was also not blindsided by their inconsistency (Matt. 26:31–33). Recognizing who they were, He predicted what they would become. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matt. 4:19). Later Jesus promised to use Peter to build a church that would prevail against the “gates of Hades” (Matt. 16:18). Christ’s call came when the disciples were engaged in their ordinary occupations. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishing (vv. 18–22). Their immediate response is impressive but not without a prior context. According to John’s Gospel, Peter, James, and John were already aware of Jesus and His ministry. Andrew had been a follower of John the Baptist and heard him identify Jesus as “the Lamb of God.” Peter was introduced to Jesus by his brother Andrew (John 1:35–42). None of the disciples fully realized what they were getting themselves into. They only knew Jesus had promised to use them to do remarkable things. Their future success did not depend on their own ability but on the power of Christ at work in them. >> Do you ever wonder what God “sees in you?” The answer is simple. If you belong to Jesus, He sees the righteousness of Christ. God also sees what He will make of your life. Accept Jesus’ call to follow and He will transform your life and use you in ways you never thought possible.

The meeting had just begun when Greg rose from his seat. He grabbed the water pitcher and quietly began pouring water for those around the conference table. It took a few minutes before they realized it was a vice-president, the highest-ranking person in the room, who had served them. Certainly it was a surprising moment when John realized that Jesus had come to him to be baptized. John objected. “I need to be baptized by you,” he said, “and do you come to me?” John was familiar with Jesus on two levels. First, he and Jesus had family ties. John’s mother was Mary’s relative (Luke 1:36). But John was also aware of Jesus’ divine lineage. John recognized that Jesus was “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Jesus was the promised one whose impending arrival John had announced (Matt. 3:11–12). Jesus’ answer to John displayed humility and His mission. Jesus did not disagree with John’s assessment of the difference between them, but He explained that the baptism was proper “to fulfill all righteousness” (v. 15). By being baptized, Jesus showed that He had come into the world to serve as our representative. Not only did Jesus come to die as the payment for our sin, He came to accomplish our righteousness. Jesus provided the obedience that we are unable to give. The Old Testament law did not mandate John’s baptism. This is why Jesus characterized the act as “proper” rather than necessary. It was a symbolic action. After John baptized Jesus, God the Father and the Holy Spirit both testified to Jesus’ identity (vv. 16–17). The Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove as the Father spoke from heaven. >> What are you depending upon for righteousness? Your own ability will always fall short. Jesus fulfilled the law in every point, “so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes” (Rom. 10:4). Before you can follow Christ, you must first accept Him as your substitute.

Even though I grew up in an unchurched home, our family had a small nativity scene that we put on display each Christmas. I was fascinated by the story of Christ’s birth and especially intrigued by the Magi. I spent hours under our Christmas tree looking at the nativity scene imagining their visit. The Magi’s arrival in Jerusalem was a surprise to one person in particular: Herod (v. 3). Herod was very disturbed, not just by the unexpected arrival of these foreign dignitaries, but by the news they brought: a child had been born who was destined to be the King of the Jews. They had learned of this by signs and had come to pay homage to Him (v. 2). They openly stated that they intended to worship the child. To learn of a new king was distressing enough to someone like Herod who was famous for jealously protecting his power, even to the point of executing members of his own family. But to hear Jesus spoken of as divine must have upped his concern. A plan was set in action. Herod asked the chief priests and teachers of the law for the location of the Messiah’s birth. While he claimed to want to worship the child, he had ulterior motives. His subsequent actions showed that he had murder on his mind. God warned the magi to go home by a different route (v. 12). Before their departure, they left behind precious gifts that were probably used by Joseph and Mary to fund their flight into Egypt out of Herod’s murderous reach (vv. 13–16). The arrival of the magi stirred the entire city of Jerusalem and led to the tragic death of many children in Bethlehem (v. 16). >> The unexpected arrival of the Magi triggered the first fatal blows in a spiritual war that is still being waged today. If you know Christ, you are both a soldier and a target in that fight (2 Tim. 2:3–4). Although the battle rages, the war has already been won by Christ.