Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

16 “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:

17 “‘We played the pipe for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
and you did not mourn.’

18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”

25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”


Props: Rope, picture of yoke

Good Morning. I need some volunteers this morning. Can some of you reach out and hold this rope. Okay, now that we have several of us touching the rope, look around. Can you see that this rope connects us to one another? Now, let's put the rope down. Are we still connected now? (If they say no, you can ask" are you sure about that"). You know, we may not be holding the same rope anymore but we are still connected. Do you know how? We're connected by God's love--it is like having an invisible rope that goes from your heart to your heart to your heart.

In the Gospel lesson that our Pastor is going to read, Jesus did not talk about a rope. He talked about something called a yoke. Do you know what that is? it is something that farmers use to connect two big animals (like cows) together so that they can share the work--of pulling a heavy plow or maybe a heavy wagon. (if you have a picture you can show how the animals are joined).

Do you think Jesus was trying to tell us that I should tie you two together? Or that you two need to hold on to the same rope all day? No, I don't think so either. I think Jesus was trying to tell us that if we remember that we are all connected through his love, then we will care about each other and we can share the hard things in life to help each other. Like when you give someone who is sad a hug, or someone helps you do something that is hard for you.

Let's say a prayer about this. Repeat after me:

Dear God,

We thank you for your love that connects our hearts to you and to each other Help us take care of each other and to show your love to everyone every day.
Amen