I text my daughter every night before I go to bed.  Usually, it begins with the statement, “I am tired” or “I am weary” and then the litany of the tasks I did that day to make me feel this way.  I’m not complaining to her, but just sharing my day and I am usually happy about these jobs being finished. I like to get things done and feel free from the burden (self-imposed) hanging over my head.

When we read the gospel of Matthew 11:28, Matthew is sharing with us the exact words that Jesus spoke to a group of people who were weighed down by legalistic and oppressive ways. Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest.

To us in our modern world, this message might be misleading. Many might believe Jesus is inviting them to believe this is about a nice, long sleep or maybe a free day without anyone around when you can do whatever you want, like nap, watch your favorite movie, or binge watch a tv series you haven’t had time to view, with no one bothering you. That would be heavenly, wouldn’t it?

But this is not the meaning of this promise from Jesus. It is an invitation for those gathered together to rest in Christ rather than themselves. 

In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.

Taking His yoke upon you is not going to add to your burden, because the yoke of Jesus is gentle, humble and caring. This is an offer to follow Jesus and adopt His spirit, focusing on Jesus’ missions and ministry of humble service and freedom.  We are free to be honest about the ways we struggle, free to be released from the ways of sin, free to love our neighbors and free to experience the relief, joy and blessing of life through God’s grace and unconditional love for all of us. This is how we find rest.  Thanks be to God!

Patty