“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
- Who among us isn’t labored?
- Who among us isn’t burdened?
Jesus speaks as one who holds complete authority and limitless compassion. Thus, God’s invitation is to everyone as labor and burden is shared by all this side of heaven. So, too, does Jesus want us to make our way to Him as we are – not first resolving difficulties or somehow proving ourselves, but making our way to Him weary, burdened and labored. Coming to Jesus as we are is the condition for finding real rest and inner peace. This is no mere momentary relaxation of struggle, but a new life in His company, a sharing of absolute joy that animates the love of God.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves” (Matthew 11:29).
His yoke. Jesus tells us that we are take His yoke upon us – not give Him ours! We accept the yoke of Christ when we sincerely follow Him, sincerely seek Him. A yoke connotes a pair and when we accept the yoke of Christ, we accept Him as Lord, Savior and Messiah.
