Baggage Handlers

Written by Matt Clarke | November 17, 2025

It's one of the great mysteries I have yet to understand. How do hundreds of bags get offloaded from one airplane, sorted properly, and correctly put onto another airplane or carousel? All the bags, all the different flights, all the moving parts just racing around to complete the puzzle in such a short window. It shocks me how remarkably accurate the baggage distribution process is. When I think about the number of times I have travelled and the few times that my luggage was temporarily misplaced for a short period, but ultimately found its way back to me, it's astonishing. My baggage has always found its way back to me, even when I wish it hadn't.

The truth is, we are all baggage handlers. We carry our baggage around all day long and sometimes help carry other people’s as well- our past, our hurts, illnesses, dreams, frustrations, fears, shame, secret sins, and outward pride. We are all carrying baggage beneath the surface, and oftentimes it's too heavy to carry alone.

"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

Lugging an old suitcase full of books and a backpack full of paper and computers around recently, I realized just how heavy things can get. The worn-out wheels didn't roll very smoothly anymore, and certainly not straight. My shoulder was sore, and my back was feeling the wear and tear of the trip. It reminded me that this is how life is for so many people every day. That is why leaving people better for the encounter is such an important mindset to remember.

Everyone is carrying something. Our job is to lighten their load and leave them better off than we found them.

Jesus certainly did that for us.

Give me your baggage, He says. I know you are tired of carrying it, so let me help. My shoulders are strong, and wheels roll effortlessly. The truth is, unless we unpack it, our baggage always finds its way back to us. Jesus says, "Let ME teach you how to lighten that load. I'll share my humble, gentle heart with you so you can find rest. I can show you how to pack lightly. And when I do, you can go out and help someone else do the same."

We don't have to understand how all that baggage gets handled. We just have to trust that it does. If we trust all those people and systems at the airport with the things we think are important, why don't we trust the ultimate baggage handler with the things that really are? Give Jesus your baggage and go help someone else carry theirs.

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