Daily Devotional | Learning as a Way of Life

“My dad pointed out to me something that Charles Spurgeon pointed out to him,” wrote pastor Dane Ortlund in Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers. “In the four Gospel accounts given to us in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John— eighty-nine chapters of biblical text— there’s only one place where Jesus tells us about his own heart.” That place is described in today’s Scripture verse: “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” (Matt. 11:29).

As we’ve studied godly learning together this month, we’ve seen that learning can be hard work. It can involve suffering. It definitely requires uncomfortable change and growth. Are we ready to put on Christ’s yoke and learn from Him? We may assume that we have to grit our teeth and begin. But here Jesus says we will find “rest” for our souls? Yes, learning from Jesus is restful because our Teacher is humble and gentle. His invitation is “pure joy” (James 1:2).

Jesus praised the Father for revealing the truth of His redemptive plan to His followers, rather than to the Pharisees and other religious leaders (vv. 25–26). This reminds us that God often overturns the knowledge of the “wise and learned” for His own purposes. In the same way the Father revealed the Son to those He chose, the Son also reveals the Father to whomever He chooses (v. 27). The ultimate content of real learning always centers around God Himself.

This leads into the call to come and learn from Jesus (vv. 28–30). Yes, we’ll need to pick up our crosses and carry them in the footsteps of our Master (Luke 9:23–26). But on the journey, we’ll learn that His yoke is easy and His burden is light (see also Jer. 6:16; 1 John 5:3).

>> Reflect on this month’s study (or reread your notes if you’ve been taking them). What are your top three takeaways or insights? How will you pursue learning from God in the year ahead?