Like the title suggests, millions have turned to these words of Jesus when they were running on empty and needing rest.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Rest for the Weary
Most of the people I know who have come to Jesus as adults did so because their lives were filled with drama, pain, chaos, and the like. They realized that what they were doing wasn’t working, and came to Jesus hoping He would help.
I have recently been watching old YouTube videos of Father Joseph Martin’s “Ponderables.” Father Martin was a priest, but also an alcoholic. After getting sober, he became a prolific speaker at AA gatherings until his death in 2008.
Father Martin noted that the word, “sober,” rarely occurs in the Twelve Steps of AA, but the word, “serenity,” is often referenced. When people reach rock bottom, they want to get sober, but even more they desire serenity.
I know many people who have through the program of AA and a relationship with Jesus found the rest that Jesus promises to those who come to Him. Whether dealing with addiction or other issues, many come to Jesus to find serenity, rest, and inner peace.
The Easy Yoke
Other people read this passage and wonder about what it means to take Jesus’ yoke on themselves. What is the value to us of coming under Jesus’ yoke?
Think about it like this. If a Shetland pony pulled a plow alongside a Clydesdale, the pony would have a fairly easy day working in the field. One thing would be obvious to the pony, however: the Clydesdale would determine their direction.
Jesus’ yoke is easy because He, through the Holy Spirit, gives us the power to live a life that leads to rest, serenity, and peace. Andrew Murray’s classic book, Victory Through Surrender, outlines the importance of surrendering control to Jesus’ direction, while we walk beside Him under the yoke. We surrender to His leadership, and He brings us to the best life possible.
The disciples who first heard Jesus talk about rest and peace, faced intense persecution that often led to death. Jesus didn’t promise us an easy life, but He promised “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). No matter what happens, His presence makes the yoke easy and light.
Learn from Me
Even in the midst of a storm, people who live like Jesus have His peace. Obedience marks people who come under Jesus’ yoke. A willingness to learn from Jesus characterizes people who adopt His attitudes and actions as the model for their lives.
Two years ago, my wife and I drove to California to visit her family. We kept Google Maps open on my phone and followed directions turn after turn.
I remember Bakersfield California particularly well. It seemed that road construction was taking place all over the city. My phone called out directions such as, “Turn right in 100 feet, then take an immediate left.” After more turns than I could count, we arrived at a highway that quickly led to our destination.
Like Google Maps on our phones, the Bible gives us accurate directions for life. We can learn from Jesus by reading His words in the Gospels. What Jesus said and did will instruct us in how to live a life like Jesus.
Frank Laubach studied one of the Gospels every day. Dallas Willard memorized large portions of the Bible, such as the Sermon on the Mount. Henry Blackaby spent hours each day pouring over the Bible. These three heroes of the faith discovered the great value of Jesus’ invitation to “learn from me.”
Frank Laubach had a unique way of reading the Bible. He was usually awake at 3:00 AM. As he got out of bed, he placed a picture of Jesus before him and opened the Bible. For the next two hours, Laubach used his voice to speak Jesus’ words to him as if he were one of the crowd hearing Him in Galilee or Jerusalem. After a two-hour conversation with the Lord, Laubach would take a short nap before starting his day.
Laubach’s method was peculiar to him and my way of prayer is peculiar to me. I believe God has designed our relationship to be unique to all of us. He doesn’t want cookie cutter Christians, but genuine friends. The main point of highlighting Laubach is to inspire us to give our best to following Jesus’ invitation to “learn from me.”
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 