*This is a slightly edited sermon on Matthew 11:25-30.

Are you weary and burdened?

I don’t want a quick answer.  I want an honest answer.  

Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  It is not a call to the wise, educated, successful, wealthy, popular, talented.  Jesus says, “I’ve got something for those who are weary and burdened.”  

Jesus uses two participles to depict people who are in a continual state of weariness and burden.   “Weary” is to “labor hard.” “Burdened” is to “carry a heavy load.” 

Don’t be ashamed to admit your weariness. It may be the very thing Jesus uses to draw you to himself.

Perhaps you are worn out from addiction, lust, greed, jealousy, anger, bitterness, pride, trying to please people, or always needing to achieve.   

Perhaps you bear the burden of divorce, broken relationships, rebellious kids, struggles at work, anxiety, depression, the financial responsibility of your family, or caring for a sick loved one. 

Perhaps you think you must earn God’s love. 

These burdens can rob you of peace and rest. They shape how you see yourself and the world around you.  They can make each day seem like a marathon … uphill … and under water. 

Are you weary and burdened today?

Find rest for your soul

Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  He comes back later to clarify: “Rest for your souls.”   “Come to me” is an invitation to personally trust Jesus.  He will provide true rest.  This is not self-help mumbo jumbo.  This is a spiritual reality.

Things of this earth, rust, rot, and break down.  Your new car will one day hit 100,000 miles.   Your new house will become an old house.  Your young back and knees will become arthritic.  You might even have your back fused or your knees replaced.  

The pleasures of this world will leave you unfulfilled, dissatisfied, and wanting more.  That weekend of fun will lead to a Monday morning.  That greener grass on the other side won’t look so good once you have to mow it.  That promotion will never provide enough money.

Jesus gives true rest because of who he is.  This passage contains Jesus’ self-description: “I am gentle and humble in heart.”  

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day placed heavy burdens on people without lifting a finger to help them. But Jesus is different. He is gentle with sinners. He is humble toward the broken. He invites weary people to learn from him as disciples. 

Rest comes from walking with Jesus.  Learning from Jesus.  Being shaped into his image. 

The gentle and humble Savior ultimately demonstrated his heart at the cross. He bore your sin and shame. Three days later He rose from the grave, conquering sin and death. The One who says, “Come to me,” is the crucified and risen King.

Jesus offers for you to lay down your weariness and heavy burdens in exchange for His yoke of rest.  Jesus offers true rest that comes from joy, hope, peace, and love.  Jesus offers true rest that comes from forgiveness of sin.  Jesus offers true rest that comes from the hope of eternal life.  

It’s rest for your soul even in a difficult work week.  It’s rest for your soul even in marital struggles.  It’s rest for your soul even with bad news from the doctor.  

Conclusion

Are you exhausted from trying to carry what only Jesus can bear?

Are you weary from trying to earn what Jesus freely gives?

Hear his words: “Come to me”

Not after you’ve cleaned yourself up.

Not after you’ve fixed yourself up.

Come weary.

Come burdened.

Come now.