JUST COME
© 2023 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)
Jesus said:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Notice that Jesus didn’t say “come to church and be saved.” Though it’s good for Christians to gather in local churches, coming to church does not save you. Only coming to Christ, with your heavy burden of sin, will provide you salvation.
There were two men who came to the temple. One was a despised publican. The other was a proud Jewish leader who was a Pharisee. Proud of his religious heritage and activities in the temple, the Pharisee prayed as follows:
“… God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” (Luke 18:11-12)
However, the despised publican, mentioned in the Pharisee’s prayer, came to God for mercy. He could only pray a very short prayer.
“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”(Luke 18:13)
Jesus’ evaluation of these two prayers is enlightening. Speaking of the publican, He said:
“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)
Coming to the temple saved neither the publican nor the Pharisee. However, the despised publican had come to God seeking forgiveness. God saved him. The proud Pharisee did not receive salvation. Shortly thereafter, Jesus told the people to encourage even little children to come to Him.
“…Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” (Luke 18:16-17)
Years earlier, when Jesus was born, wise men came to Christ from the east.
“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2)
Are you heavily burdened by the realization of your sinful condition? Come to Christ. Ask Him to forgive and cleanse you. He will!
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