Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NABRE
The section of the gospel with the quoted verse from Matthew is Jesus leading a prayer and then inviting all to come to Him. Jesus’ invitation is to those who have toiled and become tired in the spirit. He invites them into a personal and rewarding relationship with him. Jesus and His ministry is for those who are burdened and probably those who are struggling to bear up under the demands of the scribes and the Pharisees, who “tie up heavy burdens and lay then on people’s shoulders.” (Matthew 23:4) Jesus tells us the benefit of coming to Him is spiritual rest. This is not a promise for rest and repose in the life to come, but a promise of inner peace in this life, the kind of peace that settles the mind, heart and it surpasses human understanding. It does not mean that followers of Jesus will not struggle with frustrations, trials and suffering, but the burdens become lighter and more bearable with Jesus’ help. The invitation goes on to include the request to bear the yoke of Jesus. It is a call to discipleship, becoming a student of Jesus. We learn from Jesus by hearing His words and imitating His life. Jesus tells us his yoke is easy and load light. A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that can be tied to an animal to pull a plow. The yoke is never worn alone, Jesus carries it with us. He tells us carry his yoke, our life will be easy and our burdens bearable.
We are invited to be with Jesus, learn from Jesus and imitate Jesus. If we go to Jesus we become Jesus’ partner and all we do is easier, and peaceful because we are working with Jesus. Jesus is an awesome partner and working for Jesus and with Jesus will be very rewarding.
Have you found Jesus’ ministry to be heavy? Do you share your burdens with Jesus?
The invitation goes on to include the request to bear the yoke of Jesus. It is a call to discipleship, becoming a student of Jesus. We learn from Jesus by hearing His words and imitating His life. Share on X#bible #godisgreat #jesus#christianity #dailybibleverse@youversion #BeAnEncourager#peace #light #Matthew#everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist#jesussaves #godisgood#dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture#bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray#prayer #goodnews #loveeachother#godisgreat #thisVineyard#youversion #everythingalways