Make Room for Jesus

Matthew 11:29-30 – “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.

When Raphael’s great picture “The Sistine Madonna” was first brought to Dresden, it was displayed in the castle in the presence of the king. However, the most favorable spot, where the light was the best, was already occupied by the throne. Observing the situation, the king immediately pushed aside the royal chair, saying, “Make room for the immortal Raphael!” So too, there is but one throne in the human heart, and the most important question for any of us to answer is this: Who is to occupy that place of authority? Will it be Christ or self?

In our text (Matthew 11:29) we have the only recorded instance of our Lord speaking of His own moral character. Haughty leaders in high religious circles proudly moved around Him, self-seeking guests at banquets pushed forward to the best seats, and misguided disciples contended among themselves as to who should be the greatest. Yet in the midst of them all stood “God manifested in the flesh,” saying, “I am meek and lowly in heart.”

His sole consideration was how He might glorify God and bless others. If we are to emulate His example and learn of Him, our carnal self must be set aside. Horatius Bonar once said that he could tell when a Christian was growing. In proportion to his advance in grace, “a believer will elevate his Master, talk less of what he himself is doing, and constantly become smaller in his own esteem.”

This day by divine grace let us push self off the throne and make room for Jesus who said, “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.”