True Greatness, Real Rest

True Greatness, Real Rest

True Greatness, Real Rest

Throughout history there have been some truly great people; impressive in their intelligence, courage, leadership, ingenuity, wealth, success, power, charisma… But who is truly great? Indeed, the greatest? In Matthew 11 Jesus makes the rather puzzling declaration that;

Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

What is it about John the Baptist that makes him truly great? And how is it that the brand new Christian is considered greater than John the Baptist when he was considered by Jesus to be the greatest human being up until that moment? Given our “greatness” in the kingdom of God how should we live now? How do we cope with unrealised expectations in our daily lives? And the struggles and burdens we face?

Jesus’ teaching deals with these issues both in terms of coming into the kingdom and the very real challenges we face right now. There is great comfort, peace and rest found in coming to Jesus. Not just physical “rest” for weary bodies, but real rest- rest for our souls. Hear again His words of comfort,

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.”

 

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