The Great Invitation

(Matthew 11:28-30)

The Audience: All who labor and are heavy laden (passive and active) under great stress and trouble.

-labor for perfection, trying to be perfect enough to be accepted by God

-this kind of thing happens a lot more than we realize maybe

~beat self up for mistakes

~Give up on God because you can’t make it anyway

-we cannot be perfect, no matter how much we try! (Romans 7:14-25 teaches us this)

-laden with guilt of sin—it can tear us apart (James 5:16)—can even cause physical suffering and pains!

-labor under the rules and doctrines, creeds, and traditions of men (Matthew 23:4)

-laden with fear of failure and death (Romans 6:23)

The Promise: You will find rest for your souls

-“my yoke is easy and my burden is light”—oxen in a yoke

-Jesus is working alongside us—we can lean on His strength

-He can lighten the load

-The things He has us do are not burdensome, because we are to love one another—the basis of our actions is love. (See 1 John 4:7-8; 5:3)

-Jesus will give you rest (Psalm 116:7-8).

-Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it’” (Jeremiah 6:16).

The Conditions:

We must decide to listen and obey for that rest to be granted.

-“take my yoke” refers to submitting to Him—allowing Him to have the influence in life—compare to 2 Corinthians 6:14

-“learn from Me” means we become His disciple.

-He is not saying, “Believe in my power and I will grant you rest.” He is saying, “submit to Me and learn from Me” THEN you will find rest for your souls.

-But faith is a major part of this rest. We must believe He is there with us.

He said, “Come to ME”—no one else can help us! Will you hear the invitation?

Revelation 22:17— “Come!”