READ: Matthew 11:28-30 

²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 

REFLECT: Many, feeling tired and burdened by the cares of life have heard the invitation Jesus offers to “come,” and in coming, have found rest for their souls, discovering that the way of life Jesus has for us is the life we’re meant to live.

Life can be difficult. Many of you are carrying heavy burdens, burdens that threaten to crush you: Anxiety and fear. Temptation and failure. Loneliness and despair. Guilt and shame. 

“Come to me… Jesus says. It’s a personal invitation give to …all… That means everyone. An invitation to receive the gift that comes to us in Jesus, especially to those …who are weary and burdened, and.. Jesus says, …I will give you rest.  A rest that comes from God. A rest that satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts. But Jesus isn’t talking about a life of leisure. Instead he tells us to… Take my yoke upon you…  that is to join with him in the work he has for us. But this work is not a burden. Instead he says, …learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Are you weighed down by the burdens of life? Bring to Jesus whatever feels too heavy to bear on your own. Know that he will never leave you or forsake you. Remember that the yoke of Jesus is made up of one side for us, and the other for him. When we surrender our will to his, he works with us and carries us along, making even the heaviest of burdens light.

RESPOND: If you’re feeling particularly weary and burdened, find a time to get alone in a quiet place. Close your eyes and picture Jesus before you, holding out his nail pierced hands to welcome you.

• Hearing Jesus say “come,” imagine sitting down across from him
• Tell him about whatever it is that is weighing you down; your fears, your disappointments and regret
• Imagine taking on the yoke of his obedience, knowing that he is right beside you sharing your burden, feeling these burdens become easy and light
• Learn from him, finding that he his gentle and humble in heart
• Find rest for your souls