Rest For Your Souls

Come to me, all who are weary and carry heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.  Matt 11:28


Come to me: It’s an invitation we all long for so why do we resist? Jesus beckons with open arms. He invites us into His presence. He welcomes us, encourages us, calls to us, longs for us, and waits for us because He loves us.

All who are weary and carry heavy loads: Everyone who feels the need for help is welcome. He calls to all who are tired, oppressed, burdened down and over-stressed. Whatever the burden or the load He wants to help us deal with it.

I will give you rest: He isn’t teasing us. He offers exactly what we need and He knows how to provide it. We are the apple of His eye. We can find rest and shelter under the shadow of His wings if we’ll just come to Him.

Take My yoke upon you: What can this mean? A yoke is a crossbar with two U-shaped pieces that encircle the necks of a pair of oxen or other draft animals working together.
It is for working, not resting. Why would Jesus ask someone who is already weary from carrying a heavy load to put on His yoke? Does He expect them to be able to carry a heavier load when they are already exhausted? Why does Jesus talk about working and finding rest at the same time? It seems an odd combination. Why does He call it His yoke?

Let Me teach you:  A teacher is personal, available, and interested in you. He imparts not only knowledge but wisdom– that is skill for living! He is an example. Could we have a better teacher than Jesus "Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col 2:3). He is always available and loves us unconditionally.

Because I am humble and gentle: I model the best attitude for you. I am real, sincere, easygoing, non-threatening, kind, concerned, loving, and in right standing with God. A teacher’s example is more important than their message. Jesus lived what He taught. As teachers, we must follow His example– teach what we live and live what we teach.

You will find rest for your souls: If you become like me you will find rest for your soul. The body can naturally find rest from it labors and recover with proper sleep– if the soul is resting. But, if the soul is not at rest, the body cannot rest well either. Jesus is offering true peace, mental ease, heartfelt joy and internal calm, through trust, faith and hope in Him! "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you" (Isa 26:3). According to this passage, if we lack peace we aren’t keeping our focus on God and trusting Him.

For my yoke fits perfectly: The yoke of Jesus fits perfectly. It was made for Him and you. It feels right. Your calling and work are made just for you.

And the burden I give you is light: If the burden is heavy– it’s because you are trying to carry it alone. He won’t make you let Him help you. But, your talents and abilities can be used openly, freely, completely and joyfully to perform His work if you trust Him by letting Him lead the way and carry the majority of the load.

It's an open invitation! Please come.