What a challenging chapter we have in Matthew. When Jesus asked, “To what shall I compare this generation?” (11:16) his answer has close comparisons to many people today. Jesus said they were “like children sitting in the market places calling to their playmates, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn’”.

There is constant calling to one another these days via social media, but so very little of any substance. Nearly all dismiss any appreciation of Christmas and Easter! Good Friday is supposed to be a remembrance of the Saviour’s death – but do any ‘mourn’?

Jesus said, “Everyone to whom much was given much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more” (Luke 12:48). Conversely, to whom little is given, much less is expected so we need to see the point in Jesus’ comment in chapter 11:23, that “if the mighty works done (by me) had been done in Sodom it would have remained until this day. But I tell you it will be more tolerable in the day of judgement for the land of Sodom than for you”.

When God’s word was first preached, and again when it was first printed and widely circulated, it had such an impact. It created a great reformation in human thinking and belief. So many acted and lived according to their new-found beliefs and convictions of heart. Yes, ‘too whom much is given’! Many responded as they should.

The climax in today’s chapter is like a prayer of Jesus, “I thank you, Father; Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from (those who think they are) the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children … no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden …” (verses 25-27).

How many who are heavy laden in our world look to Jesus to help them journey through the kind of life that now exists? Jesus knows! What kind of person does Jesus choose “to reveal” the Father to – and make known the real meaning of their life? Is it those who sit “in the market place calling …”? Can they be classified as “little children” whom Jesus seeks to have a relationship with – and who come to appreciate the wonder of the Father’s ultimate purpose?

Let us hear the voice of Jesus saying, “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”.