Why did Jesus say this? What qualifications did He present that should induce us to come to Him? He was used to absolute power and authority but He did not present this to us, although this is His by right. He also has all the wisdom of the universe. In Him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (See Colossians 2:3.) But He did not present His wisdom as a reason that we should come to Him.
His reasons for calling us to Him were His gentility and lowly heart. The result of our coming to Him would be that we would find rest to our souls. We would find that His yoke is kind and the burden He presents to us to carry is light.
As Christians we are to persuade others to come to Jesus and commit their lives to Him because He is gentle and He is lowly in heart—He will never rule them with force and overbearing authority.
“Earthly kingdoms rule by the ascendancy of physical power; but from Christ’s kingdom every carnal weapon, every instrument of coercion, is banished. This kingdom is to uplift and ennoble humanity. God’s church is the court of Holy life, filled with varied gifts and endowed with the Holy Spirit. The members are to find their happiness in the happiness of those whom they help and bless.” The Acts of the Apostles, 12. “Where the kingdom of God prevails, every carnal weapon, every influence of force and compulsion, is banished.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, 76.
Do we as Christians accurately reflect the character of our divine Lord? Are we gentle and lowly in heart?
“It is not wise to find fault continually with what is done by the rulers of government. Many of our people are in danger of trying to exercise a controlling power upon others and of bringing oppression upon their fellow men. There is danger that those who are entrusted with responsibilities will acknowledge but one power, the power of an unsanctified will. Some have exercised this power unscrupulously and have caused great discomfiture to those whom the Lord is using. One of the greatest curses in our world (and it is seen in churches and in society everywhere) is the love of supremacy. Men become absorbed in seeking to secure power and popularity. This spirit has manifested itself in the ranks of Sabbathkeepers, to our grief and shame. But spiritual success comes only to those who have learned meekness and lowliness in the school of Christ. The closer we keep to Christ, and the more meek and lowly and self-distrustful we are, the firmer will be our hold on Christ, and the greater will be our power, through Christ, to convert sinners.” Excerpts from Testimonies, vol. 6, 394, 397, 399.