Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
God Can Do Anything
A college professor in his prime sat next to a young boy on a flight. The young boy heading to his grandparents’ place for the summer vacation was busy reading a Sunday school take-home paper. The professor, pretty excited by the young boy, decided to have fun with him. “Young man,” said the professor, “if you can tell me something God can do, I’ll give you a big juicy apple.” the boy thought for some time and then replied, “Mister, If you can tell me something, God can not do, I’ll give you a whole barrel of apples!” How many times do we usually limit God because our problems seem too hard for him to fix? Let us look at what Jesus meant when He gave the invitation to trust Him with all our burdens.
What’s the definition of labour and heavy laden? The metaphor of these two terms defines a person carrying a heavy load and is required to get the load to a specific place. However, with every step he takes, his strength fails, and the weight of the burden is oppressive. The word “labour” carried the sense of labouring until one was completely exhausted. Jesus is speaking to a gathering of individuals attempting to take the impossible weight of the Jewish law and other standards imposed on them by the religious leaders. The Jews were fatigued from trying to live up to the demands of the law. It was as a result of their utmost exertions (Matthew 23:4).
Godly Rest
Sinners who are tired of their ways of iniquity are invited to get relief from Jesus. Penitents, carrying the burden of guilt, can come to Jesus and find pardon for all they have done. Believers sorely tempted and oppressed by the remains of the carnal mind may come to this blood, to be cleansed from all unrighteousness and be purified from all sin. Even those powerfully succoured in every temptation, shall find uninterrupted rest in this complete Saviour. We do not have to dwell in exhaustion any longer. Jesus offers relief, rest and refreshment. The rest we receive in Jesus is not from working. But it is a rest from fear, hopelessness, addictions, depression and every form of despair (Jeremiah 29:11). The usage of the metaphor “yoke and labor” signified the impossibility of measuring up to God’s standards on our own. Attempting to do so is not only exhausting but is also frustrating.
The Invitation
“Come to me” expresses the compassionate heart of the Messiah and His appeal for people to come to Him to find relief from oppression. He is calling you and me to serve but work in the grace and strength He gives. He promises us to be with us. Jesus will pull any weight as long as we yield to His will and direction. The only time the load becomes overbearing is when we try to take over and do the pulling ourselves. Do not let your burdens kill you or make you lose your joy in Christ. Submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ today.
King James Version (KJV)
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
New International Version (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
New American Bible (NASB)
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
The Living Bible (TLB)
“Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke.”