today's other readings are Exodus 3: 13-20 and Psalm 105
Anyone who serves as a leader of a group of people, knows that various strategies need to be used to motivate the team members and help them to individually and collectively achieve their goals.
Jesus was very aware of this reality. In His messages to His followers, at times He cajoles, lectures, and challenges, and at other times He soothes and encourages.
Today's passage is one of those times when He soothes and encourages. For to be a follower of His is quite the task, and at times one may feel overwhelmed and/or discouraged. Hence, the encouragement to come to Him and find rest.
These words of His are quite soothing for me whenever I feel discouraged or overwhlemed. These words help me to realize that first, He is my leader, and secondly, He will help to get me through those rough patches.
What a friend we have in Jesus.