February 6, 2023
Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.
C H O F Ministry Bible Study Reading:
Matthew 11:25–30
C H O F Ministry Focal Verse:
Matthew 11:29 - Take my yoke upon you and learn from me . . . and you will find rest for your souls.

There’s only one chapter in the eighty-nine chapters of the Bible's four Gospel accounts—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—where Jesus speaks of his own heart. The passage we’re looking at today describes the location: “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” (Matt. 11:29).
As we’ve studied Obtaining Insight Through God's Principles together this month, we've seen, gaining spiritual awareness can be challenging and laborious. It may include agony. Uncomfortable change and progress are unavoidable. Are we ready to accept Christ's yoke and follow His teachings? It may seem like gritting our teeth and starting is the only option. But here, according to Jesus, we'll find "rest" for our souls. It's relaxing to gain knowledge and spiritual insight from Jesus because He is humble and kind. His request is “pure joy” (James 1:2).
Jesus praised the Father for choosing to reveal the reality of His redeeming plan to His followers rather than the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the time. (vv. 25–26). This serves as a reminder that God frequently subverts the understanding of the "intelligent and discerning" for His own purposes. Just as the Father revealed the Son to His chosen ones, so too does the Son reveal the Father to those He deems worthy. (v. 27). The ultimate subject matter of any genuine spiritual education is almost always centered on God Himself.
This leads into the call to come and receive spiritual insight from Jesus (vv. 28–30). In order to follow in the footsteps of our Master, we will need to pick up our crosses and carry them. (Luke 9:23–26). On the other hand, as we travel, we will discover that His yoke is easy, and His load is light. (see also Jer. 6:16; 1 John 5:3).
*Beloved, meditate on this month’s Bible study (or go over your notes) again if you've been taking them. What are the three most important things you've learned from our Bible study? How will you pursue spiritual insight from God in the year ahead?
Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, in exchange for all the sacrifices you require of us, you offer everything we are missing in order to obey you. We are grateful that you have made not only us Your servants but also Your cherished children. Because of your flawless love, we put our faith in and worship you.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.