Matthew 11:28 – Promise of Rest

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Context

In Matthew 11, Jesus speaks to the heavy-hearted and invites them into His rest, offering solace and relief to those burdened by life’s hardships.

 

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
 ––Matthew 11:28 KJV

How to read it

Jesus is like saying, ‘Hey, if you’re super tired and feel like the world is on your shoulders, come hang out with me. I’ll give you a break.’ It’s like when you’re carrying this heavy backpack all day, and someone goes, ‘I’ll hold that for a while.’ Jesus is inviting you to take a breather from all your stresses and find peace with Him. It’s basically His promise to help us chill when life gets too crazy.

Let’s pray

Heavenly Father,
thank You for being the source of our rest and peace in a busy world. I praise You for Your kindness and relentless love toward us. Please help me remember to turn to You when I am overwhelmed and in need of rest. Guide me to trust in Your promise and rely on Your strength.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Parallel Verses

Psalm 55:22: ‘Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.’ —— 1 Peter 5:7: ‘Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.’ —— Isaiah 40:29: ‘He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.’

Bible Study

Take some time to dig into Matthew 11. Consider the context of the chapter, where John the Baptist is inquiring about Jesus, and reflect on Jesus’ gentle invitation to those feeling weighed down. This is a great way to understand how Jesus positions Himself as the ultimate relief for our burdens, showcasing His loving heart for humanity.

Journaling Prompts

What are the current burdens that I need to bring to Jesus for rest? —— How do I experience the feeling of restfulness and peace in Jesus’ promise? —— In what ways have I seen Jesus relieve my burdens in the past?