Text: Matthew 11:28-30
The Invitation is from Christ – What Did Matthew’s Audience Know About Christ?
- The Son of God, God in the flesh, one who came to save man from sins (Matthew 1:20-23; 4:17)
- He preached the gospel of the kingdom & healed the sick (Matthew 4:23)
- He taught as one who had authority (Matthew 7:28-29)
- He was the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 (Matthew 8:16-17)
- He could calm storms (Matthew 8:24-27) and cast out demons (Matthew 8:28-32)
The Invitation is Not from Man
- We must not preach ourselves, but Christ (2 Corinthians 4:5)
- We are not trying to win disciples for us, though sadly some do (Acts 20:30)
- We are not to rally behind a particular person or party (1 Corinthians 1:12-13)
Who the Invitation is To
- To “all who are weary and heavy-laden” – extended to everyone
- The gospel was to be preached throughout the world (Mark 16:15)
- Focus is on those who are burdened with sin (Titus 3:3)
- It is not about rest in this life, but the next life (Revelation 14:13)
What We Are Invited to Do
- “Come to Me” – we do not invite Jesus to come to us, we must come to Him on His terms
- “Take My yoke” – accept his guidance & direction; obey Him (Luke 6:46)
- “Learn from Me” – He teaches, but we must listen (Luke 8:8); be careful what you hear (1 John 4:1)
Why We Should Accept the Invitation
- We will find rest – as long as we are faithful, the Lord will reward us (Titus 1:2); there remains a rest for His people (Hebrews 4:9), provided we do not fall short through disobedience (Hebrews 4:11)
- Jesus is gentle & humble – He is concerned for our well-being first (Philippians 2:5-8); willingly laid down His life for us (John 10:17-18)
- His yoke is easy & His burden is light – despite the requirements of obedience (1 John 5:3)
