July 5, 2026 The 6th Sunday after Pentecost ( Proper 9, Year A )
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a
Rev. Misa Furumoto
Have you watched the new movie, Michael? It is a big topic all over the world right now. I went to watch it with our children. The movie shows the early life and rise of Michael Jackson, the “King of Pop.” I thought it was so great that I am already thinking about watching it again.
As you all know, he had a God-given amazing talent. He made millions of people happy with his music and dance. But in the latter part of his life, he struggled with deep sadness and suffering. He carried a very heavy burden: the eyes and judgment of the world.
One day, people praised him as a genius. The next day, the media and the public criticized him. And the criticism continued throughout his life even after he was acquitted in court. He tried very hard to find a quiet, private place, but he could never escape from the judgment of the world.
Honestly, this is not just a story about a superstar. We all carry a similar burden in our daily lives. We are not famous, but we often worry about what people think of us. We worry about our reputation at work, at school, or on social media. We are tired because we try too hard to look perfect for other people.
Believe it or not, Jesus saw the exact same problem 2000 years ago. He looked at the people around Him and said they were like children who are never satisfied. He said:
“But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’”
Jesus was saying, “People change their minds all the time. You cannot please everyone.”
For example, John the Baptist lived a very strict life and fasted often. People looked at him and said, “He has a demon.” Then Jesus came. Jesus ate and drank with everyday people and became their friend. Then the people said: “‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ “
The world loves to judge people and put labels on them. If you live your life trying to please everyone, your heart will become completely empty and tired.
But the heavy burden is not only on the outside. There is also a very heavy burden inside our hearts. We don’t just fight with the world’s expectations; we also fight with ourselves.
Paul honestly talks about this painful inner struggle. He writes: “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”
Have you ever felt this way? You want to be kind, but you say something mean to your family. You want to be patient, but you lose your temper. We try to wear a perfect mask for the world, but inside, we know we are failing. Paul felt so tired and trapped by his own weakness that he cried out: “Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” This is the ultimate heavy burden—the weight of our own sin and weakness. We cannot fix ourselves by our own power.
But look at how Paul answers his own question. Right after his cry for help, he says: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Paul realized he didn’t need to be perfect. He just needed a Savior. This brings us back to what Jesus said in His prayer:
“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants…”
The “wise and the intelligent” are people who think they are strong and perfect. They try to hide their weakness. But Jesus shows His love to “infants”—to little babies. A baby has no reputation to protect. A baby cannot live alone, so they completely trust their parents.
God wants us to be like infants. He wants us to drop our masks and say, “Lord, I am tired of trying to be perfect. I cannot do this alone. Please help me.” —
If you are carrying the heavy burden of the world’s judgment, or the heavy burden of your own mistakes, listen to the beautiful words of Jesus today: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you.” A yoke was a wooden bar for two oxen so they could pull a heavy load together. Jesus is telling you: “You do not have to carry the weight of life alone anymore. Walk with Me. Let Me stand right next to you and carry the heavy side of the load.”
The world is harsh, and our own inner guilt is heavy. But Jesus is different. He is gentle and humble. He knows your secrets, your failures, and your fears, but He still looks at you and says, “I love you. I died for you. You belong to Me.”
You do not need to live for the applause of the world, and you do not need to be crushed by your own weakness. Let your heavy burdens slide off your shoulders. Walk with Jesus, share His yoke, and find true rest for your soul.
In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
