Reflections On HopeÖrnek

The words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 were spoken to those who had become tired and weary because of the many burdens and unrealistic expectations which had been placed upon them by certain religious leaders of the day.

As the people sought to adhere to and observe these unhelpful teachings, they became overwhelmed and weary from trying to carry something, which in reality, was not theirs to carry.

Knowing this, Jesus offered the only real solution which would bring freedom and release from their ongoing struggle and the weight of such expectations—a freedom that has its roots firmly established in the words…“Come to me”.

Jesus invited the people to come to Him, to draw aside and to learn a new way: a way that speaks of humility, gentleness, and lowliness of heart. He invites us to do the same. We can come as we are, weary and worn out, tired and torn, and under pressure from the weight and the burdens that others have either placed upon us, or that we ourselves have taken on.

As we begin to draw near to Jesus, listening to Him and learning from Him, we will start to see that His ways are different and His burden is light.

Jesus promises us rest for our weary souls—a rest that can only truly be experienced and found in a relationship with Him. As we come to Jesus, we can do so with an absolute assurance and an unquestionable hope that He will both accomplish and achieve all that he has promised to do.

For those of us who are tired, weary, and worn out from the different worries, concerns, and burdens of the day, Jesus says, “Come to me”. No longer do we need to try to get by in our own strength or our own abilities, which are not sufficient. Jesus says come, “Come to me …and I will give you rest”—a rest that can be found in no one else and in nothing else other than in Jesus Himself.