Message of the Day: God’s Offer of Rest to the Weary
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NKJV)
Very few of the privileged and learned classes turned to Jesus, as they felt comfortably secure and satisfied with their achievements in life. But many who felt helpless turned to Jesus to satisfy their deepest needs, and through him came into a new relationship with God. They found true refreshment in learning from Jesus and obeying his teachings. In submitting to his lordship they found true life.
The metaphor here appears to be taken from a man who has a great load laid upon him, which he must carry to a certain place. Every step he takes reduces his strength, and renders his load the more oppressive. However, it must be carried on; and he labours, uses his utmost exertions, to reach the place where it is to be laid down. A kind person passing by, and, seeing his distress, offers to ease him of his load, that he may enjoy rest.
The Jews who were heavily laden with the burdensome rites of the Mosaic institution, rendered still more oppressive by the additions made by the scribes and Pharisees, who our Lord says in Matthew 23:4 as were bound on “heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers,” are here invited to lay down their load, and receive the salvation procured for them by Jesus Christ.
The sinners wearied in the ways of iniquity, are also invited to come to Christ and find relief. Repentant sinners who are burdened with the guilt of their crimes, may come and find forgiveness.
Christians who are sorely tempted, and oppressed by the remains of the fallen nature may come and be purified from all sin, find help in every temptation, and experience rest.
All are invited to come, and all are promised rest.
Sources:
Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.
MySword for Android. Riversoft Ministry, 2011-2019.
Olive Tree Bible Software, 1998-2020.
The NKJV Bible
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