Rest for the WearyShembull

Jesus' Invitation to Rest

The older I get, the busier I get, and the more tired I feel. Can you relate? Boy, is it exhausting to juggle family, work, church, home, and all the other tasks on our to-do list. It doesn't mean we don't enjoy and feel called to these things; it can just be a lot to handle sometimes.

I was in this place early this year and I opened up my Bible to Matthew 11. I had read the passage many times before, but had often felt weary rather than relaxed while reading it. Jesus was telling me to take on his yoke and that just sounded like one more thing to add to my already heavy load.

But when I read it this time, God opened my eyes and heart to see its true nature and value. As I studied, I learned what it really meant to take on a yoke and I found the key to rest. I want to share what I learned with you in this reading plan as you fight your own weariness.

This is important because the enemy loves exhaustion—it's an opportunity to get a foothold in our lives. When we are tired, we're merely trying to stay afloat with all our responsibilities. There isn't much left to prepare for the things we don't see coming. That is why, when we feel weary, it's essential to pursue rest.

We have to start with the foundation for rest, though. So, let's look at the context of this passage. In verses 20-24, Jesus is criticizing the unbelieving cities, which means he was essentially criticizing those Jews and Pharisees who touted their own morality.

Then in verses 25-27, Jesus thanks God for the believing disciples. What he is doing here is distinguishing between the Pharisees and his disciples. He is drawing a distinction between their way of life—a life of unbelief vs. belief.

So the foundation to the rest Jesus is about to offer here is for those who have a foundational belief in who he is. 

Let me ask you today: Do you not only believe in him, but also believe that he has the power and grace to provide all that you need? Reflect today on his mightiness and goodness, and offer your heart to his faithful care.