Father of the Inklings Father of the Inklings

Literalists eager to discover loopholes in the Commands will easily be able to dismiss a blanket injunction against obscenity.

The unfortunate image conjured up by this passage in the minds of many is of a poor suffering beast of burden, a hundred pound slab of oak laced to his back, a plow tied behind, laboring in the hot sun from sunup to sundown. Not a very appealing life!

There are two ways to read Jesus’ invitation, Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Most commentators, theologians, pastors, and teachers, through the years have interpreted this passage through a salvationary lens. It may be, however, that a more subtle reading strikes closer to home, and perhaps probes more meaningfully to the heart of Jesus’ intent.

The familiar passage from Matthew 7 is usually associated with prayer, and the promise of answered prayer: Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.

No pithier visual imagery exists in Jesus’ teaching than his clever use of the speck and log in the matter of fault-finding.