Sunday 5 July 2026

Psalm 145

Background
I remember watching an episode of the TV programme 'Countryfile' in which farmer Adam Henson was training two young cattle to work with a yoke. They had to learn how to walk together, carry the weight properly, and work with the yoke rather than against it. The yoke did not remove the burden – it helped them to carry it.

That memory came to mind as I read today's passage. Many people are naturally drawn to Jesus' promise of rest, but I found myself drawn to a different phrase: "Learn from me." (v. 29)

A yoke is a working tool. Whether used by animals pulling a plough or by people carrying a load across their shoulders, it is not something that is put on when the work is finished. Yet Jesus invites weary people to take up a yoke and learn from him. The rest, he promises, is not to be found in avoiding responsibility, but in learning a different way of carrying it.

It is striking that Jesus does not invite us to admire his power, but to learn his character. He does not say, "Learn from me because I am mighty" or "Because I perform miracles." Instead, he says, "For I am gentle and humble in heart." (v. 29) These are the qualities he wants his disciples to learn.

Then, as now, people admired power, success and status. Today we might add influence, recognition and achievement to that list. Yet Jesus points to gentleness and humility. These are not qualities that often attract attention, but they are the qualities Jesus chooses when describing his own heart.

Perhaps many of the burdens we carry come from pursuing values that Jesus never asked us to pursue. Many people carry burdens that Jesus never asked them to carry. In churches, workplaces, families and communities there are those who feel responsible for every decision and every disappointment. Others feel they must prove their worth through constant activity. It can be exhausting. Humility reminds us that we are not responsible for everything, while gentleness changes the way we relate to those around us. Both humility and gentleness free us from burdens we were never intended to carry.

The invitation of Jesus is not simply to believe in him, but to learn from him. Christian discipleship is more than acquiring knowledge; it is learning to live in the way of Christ. As we learn the gentleness and humility of Christ, we begin to discover the rest that he promises.

To Ponder:

• What qualities do you most admire in other people, and how do they compare with the gentleness and humility of Jesus?
• Which burdens in your life come from expectations that Jesus may never have placed upon you?
• What might Jesus be teaching you about gentleness or humility at this stage of your life?

Prayer
Gentle and humble saviour, teach us your way. Shape our hearts after your heart, that we may learn to live as your disciples. Help us to value what you value and to find peace in walking alongside you. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Stuart Reed
Stuart is Acting Superintendent Minister of the South East Cornwall Methodist Circuit and will become Superintendent Minister in September 2026. He lives in Looe with his wife and their labrador. He is father to two and grandfather to one, and enjoys walking the Cornish coast. He is still conducting extensive research into where to find the best pasties and ice cream in Cornwall.