I Will Give You Rest

Some of the most beautiful words of our Lord are recorded in Matthew 11:28-30.  Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."  This beautiful language encourages our spirits in several ways.

            First, it reminds us of God’s great love for all people.  Jesus simply says, “Com to me, all…”.  This teaches us that God is not prejudice or biased toward anyone.  God wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4).  Jesus tasted death for every man (Heb. 2:9; 10:12).  God sent his own Son to die for the world because He loved us so much (John 3:16).

            These words also appeal to us because of the promised rest.  Life sometimes wears us out.  Paul said, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phi. 1:21).  You can almost hear Paul’s desire to depart this life in that text.  For those who truly labor for the Lord and are laden with many struggles in this life, the promise rest of Heaven is our hope.  The words of the Hebrew writer should also encourage each one of us.  He said, “There therefore remains a rest for the people of God” (Heb. 4:9).

            Also, this text portrays great beauty because it expresses the gentleness and compassion of Christ.  Jesus was not a militant zealot.  He is a kind and compassionate Savior.  This is why Jesus said, “Take My Yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart.”  The gentleness and compassion of Christ is exhibited best on the cross of Calvary.  Jesus was led as a lamb to the slaughter or as a sheep to its sheerer He opened not His mouth (Isa. 53).  Jesus had the power to call down legions of angels, yet he allowed sinful man to bind Him (Matt. 26:53. 

            Finally, these words strike close to our heart because of the simplicity of following Christ.  Jesus assured us, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  This portrays to us that being a Christian is something that can and must be done.  Paul reminded us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).   It does not take a degree in rocket science or a doctorate in divinity to become a child of God.  Jesus made it so simple when He said, “He that believes and is baptized will be saved, he that believes not will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).  Jesus also taught us the importance of repentance (Luke 13:3) and confession (Matt. 10:32-33).  If you are willing to believe in Jesus, repent of your sins, confess him before men,  be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38) and live faithful to Christ you can have the promised rest Jesus assured us of.  May God help us not just to realize the beauty of this text, but to apply its principles to everyday life!