The promise is exclusive in that it is only given to those who come as children to our Lord, but it is inclusive because all may come. Christ has room for all.
This is a powerful and engaging text, and one your hearers will be glad you are preaching on. There seems to be a great deal of congruence between the context of this reading and the current realities of the people of God. The questions lingering in the background are very much contemporary inquiries, and a sermon that takes the time to highlight and address them will be well received.
The situation of this text is crucial for understanding what our Lord is saying. In 11:16-24, the reader is reminded that Christ’s ministry has gone out to Israel, but most of Israel has rejected it. Some have accepted it, some have become disciples, and some have followed, but far more have turned away. And it is not only that they do not respond positively, but they stand openly against the work of the Kingdom. He says, “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’” (11:18-19) There is no winning. Both the voice who prepares the way and the Son of Man Himself are rejected. Therefore, the questions arise: Is this the work of God? Is this how things are supposed to play out? Should it not look more impressive?
Every pastor has adduced such realities in the lives of his hearers. Those faithful people of God who gather week in and week out to receive the Lord’s gifts still struggle with the constant rejection and diminishing of the faith they have been given. Those who reject the Word and work of God seem to be thriving in our society, while the faithful barely eke out a living. The so-called churches that deliberately twist the Word of God to meet the itching ears of the people seem to be busting at the seams, while your own faithful little congregation dwindles year after year. So, the questions come: Is this the work of God? Is this how things are supposed to play out? Should it not look more impressive?
Consequently, with the stage set, we are ready and eager to hear the words of our Lord. In the face of rejection and ridicule, He prays, “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; yes, Father, for such was Your gracious will.” Jesus praises the Father because He hides and reveals “these things” (ταῦτα) from the wise and understanding. “These things” refers to the ministry of both John and Jesus. The wise and understanding are those who have no need of the work of our Lord. They are self-sufficient, or so they believe. A sermon on this text ought to explore the wise and understanding of our own day. And it is to them that the Father hides His work, for His work is hidden in a gracious gift received by an empty-handed beggar.
All who receive the gift of faith, who come with no wisdom to offer the Lord but receive His good and gracious gifts, are such children
Such a gift is only revealed to a child. The little children are those who are unable to accomplish anything in and of themselves. They are necessarily receivers from other’s hands. All who receive the gift of faith, who come with no wisdom to offer the Lord but receive His good and gracious gifts, are such children. They are the hearers in your pews. As Saint Paul says, “For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21).
But the good news does not stop there. It is much bigger than any single gathering of the saints. For Jesus goes on to say, “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” (11:28-30).
To preach this text is to lean hard on the promise of Christ that the rest He promises is for everyone. The promise is exclusive in that it is only given to those who come as children to our Lord, but it is inclusive because all may come. Christ has room for all. To take His yoke is to learn from Him. It is to follow and be filled by His gifts. It is an easy yoke and a light burden because it is not your work which accomplishes it. Your pews are full of those living under a heavy burden, and it is time, once again, to set them free in Christ alone!
God bless your preaching.
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Additional Resources:
Craft of Preaching-Check out 1517’s resources on Matthew 11:25-30.
Concordia Theology-Various helps from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO to assist you in preaching Matthew 11:25-30.
Lectionary Kick-Start-Check out this fantastic podcast from Craft of Preaching authors Peter Nafzger and David Schmitt as they dig into the texts for this Sunday!
The Pastor’s Workshop-Check out all the great preaching resources from our friends at the Pastor’s Workshop!
