This morning we will be studying together Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 11v20-30 including His wonderful, gracious invitation in v28-30:
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Jesus’ words have been described as an invitation to a spiritual spa! I’m not sure that this is the best description for them. Although I’ve never had the opportunity to enjoy such treatment (no Christmas present ideas here please) I don’t believe Jesus had in mind lazing around in warm, wet conditions wearing bathrobes and slices of cucumber. The glorious rest that He offers includes rest from the burden of sin and guilt, rest from seeking to earn our salvation through our own efforts, rest in His completed work of dying for us on the cross, rest in terms of peacefully trusting Him day by day and eternal rest to come in His presence in heaven.
What an invitation this is – to come to Jesus, whoever we are, with all our weariness and burdens and to receive rest as a gracious, unearned gift. If you’ve never come to Him – COME NOW! If you have, don’t wander away into legalistic traditions, anxious mindsets or stressed lifestyles – let us learn from Jesus and find true spiritual rest for our souls.
Peace and Grace
Paul