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.
Jesus called Himself Meek because He personified meekness. He calls us to a life of meekness instead of a life of arrogance and boastfulness. Because Jesus is humble, He calls us neither to serve ourselves nor to live for selfish advancement. Because Jesus was submissive to the Roman authorities and those over Him, His example calls us to meekness and surrender. We are to obey the rules, because God has put them over us. Jesus did not seek His own will; He testified, “I always do those things that please Him [the Father]” (John 8:29). But we are the opposite of Jesus; we seek our own fulfillment. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).
Lord, I am human, and I follow my impulse to live for selfish purposes. Teach me to be meek like Jesus. Teach me to live for You.
Jesus is called Meek because He left His lofty position in Heaven, laid aside His glory and accepted a humble birth in a stable. When facing suffering, He prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). Yes, Jesus meekly accepted the cross for you; what will you give up for Him?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice. Help me learn from Your meekness; help me to be like You. Amen.
Go Deeper: Matthew 11:28-30, 26:36-46
You can learn meekness from Jesus.