Matthew 11:28. These are words spoken by Jesus during His ministry; words which echo down through the years and speak to us all at different times in our lives.

In the middle of this month we shall be starting our Christian journey of Lent; six long weeks moving towards the crucifixion and, thankfully, the Easter Day resurrection. I wonder how Jesus was feeling as he approached the ending of his ministry, and set His face and His fate towards Jerusalem. Was he himself tired; exhausted from his itinerant ministry and work? Who was going to minister to Him?

The Gospels tell us that Jesus was well supported throughout His ministry by friends, family and followers, so that, although life as an itinerant preacher and prophet would not have always been an easy one, it was one shared with others and, of course, in the companionship of God the Father and Holy Spirit.

I am grateful to those people who helped Jesus on His way:

- The unnamed woman at the well who gave Him water to drink when He was tired.

- His mother encouraging him to begin His ministry at the wedding in Cana: “Do as He tells you”.

- The laughter and companionship that his disciples shared with Him.

- The food and shelter provided by so many unnamed people along the

way.

- The boy with loaves and fishes who teaches us all so much.

And I am grateful for those who have recorded for us, in the gospels and epistles, words that Jesus spoke and actions that Jesus did.

As Lent begins, let’s remember the life of Jesus as he moves towards the cross; remember not just the hard times of temptation and struggle, but also the many times of encouragement which He gave and received; and let us learn to give and receive encouragement on our way.