Listen

Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and his disciples, “The legal experts and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat. Therefore, you must take care to do everything they say. But don’t do what they do. For they tie together heavy packs that are impossible to carry. They put them on the shoulders of others, but are unwilling to lift a finger to move them.”

Matthew 23:1-4

Think

When we read these verses, it is easy to look at the Pharisees’ hypocrisy with frustration and anger. It is easy to imagine these powerful men placing heavy burdens on the backs of the people. However, Jesus is not speaking to just the Pharisees; Jesus is speaking to the all the people, the disciples, and even us. Jesus points out that every person carries with them a pack. The packs are filled with all the unseen things we carry with us, like anxiety, fear, insecurity, self-expectations, societal expectations, and much more.

Only when we realize that everyone around us also carries the weight of a heavy pack, can we glimpse the world through God’s eyes. We can identify ways to stop adding weight to others’ packs and “lift a finger” to help those around us whose packs are weighing them down.

Kelli Kirksey

Question to Ponder:

How do you think you might “lift a finger” to help someone you know who is carrying a heavy pack?

Pray

God my Refuge, thank you for reminding me to see the world differently.

Help me to recognize the things I carry in my own pack and to have the courage to ask for help when I need it.

Help me to have the courage to help others as well.

Amen.

Go

As you go, take moments throughout the day to stop and breathe in the love of God.

Then breathe out God’s love on those around you.