June 15, 2026

Learning from Jesus

The Gospel of Matthew 11:28–29

Jesus says: All you who are weary and burdened, come to me 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.

Dear Readers,

Perhaps the scene depicted on the stamp reminds you of your own vocational training. The stamp depicts young people undergoing “apprenticeship training at Deutsche Post, Telephone and Telegraph Services” under the guidance of a gray-haired master craftsman. Just as it was back then in the GDR, the former so called German Democratic Republic, or East Germany, it was the case in many companies educating young people in job training. Young people learned a trade or a profession. And there was always a trainer or a master craftsman present. Nothing has changed in this respect ever since.

My business training felt like a burden on some days. I was glad when it was finally over. Jesus also speaks of a burden. He speaks of the burdens that life brings. He talks especially to those who must suffer under their struggles and burdens. There can be heavy burdens that people must bear every day. Burdens within the family, due to illness, burdens at work or in society. We are called to come to the Lord Jesus Christ to bring all our burdens. Jesus, the Teacher and Master, invites us to learn from him how to deal with these burdens. And he helps us to carry them.

And Jesus invites us to learn from him. In him, we can see how respectfully he treated his fellow human beings. From him, we can learn how merciful he was toward people in need. We can learn from Jesus how to pray with hope. We can see in him how faithfully he remained connected to his Father in heaven, even during the greatest suffering. 

Anyone who starts an apprenticeship or a degree program first investigates where he wants to do it. It’s much the same with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. To me, the Gospels and the epistles of the New Testament are like a comprehensive “training plan.” They show me very concretely how I can live and believe as a Christian in our time. Following Jesus is not a theory but has a very practical connection to everyday life in every moment.

Those who learn from Jesus find inner peace in the process. The restless heart finds divine peace. Those who become disciples of Jesus with the help of the Holy Spirit find peace and serenity. They know they are safe in all the storms that sometimes sweep through life. They experience peace and security in Jesus Christ. 

Vocational training in Germany lasts between two and three and a half years. But everyone knows that learning is far from over once you reach graduation.  Vocational training or a college degree is just the beginning of a professional career. Until retirement, there is always something new to learn. 

There is no difference when it comes to faith in God. We as Christians remain Jesus’ students for our entire lives. The school of faith only ends when we have reached eternal heavenly rest. But until then, we may be curious and joyful learners with the Lord Jesus day after day! 

Thank you for visiting me and listening to me. I wish you the peace that Jesus promises. I look forward to seeing you again at the next short sermon on 

July 1.