Usually this is read in its context of putting the Jewish
leaders in their place. The encounter started with contrivance by the Pharisees
to put Jesus in a political “catch-22” situation. The Pharisees sent some of their followers and
some of Herod's followers to ask the question, “tell us what you think! Should we pay taxes to
the Emperor or not?” Jesus, asked them, “Whose picture and name are on the
silver coin?” – they belonged to the emperor.
John spoke of Jesus as the “Logos” in his first letter:
We declare to you what was from the beginning,
what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and
touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—this life was revealed, and
we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was
with the Father and was revealed to us—we declare to you what we have seen and
heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is
with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.[1]
In describing the Logos, John reported that he and other
apostles, heard, saw, and touched the living word. Jesus was, demonstrated, and
spoke, the message.
It strikes me, that we need to experience Jesus as well as
listen to him. Jesus was more than the spoken word; he was the living word. To
understand life as Jesus lived it, we must hear what Jesus didn’t say, and yet,
said through his silence.
His task was not hindered by politics, his mind was not
occupied by material concerns, his cause was not overshadowed by anxiety. He was filled with compassion for people,
because “they were harassed
and helpless.” Jesus wept for Jerusalem, because its downfall was
imminent. He was deeply moved and troubled, and wept, seeing Mary and mourners
weeping at the graveside of Lazarus.
If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens,
come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on
your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find
rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.[2]
That sound so simple; however,
I have a lot of baggage to take care of...
– maybe, I should let go of it.
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