Rest Unto Your Souls

Matthew 11:25-30

Most of us would say that we want to live for God. We want a life that is pleasing to God. We want a life that brings Him glory and honor. So, we work hard on self-discipline, obedience, giving, serving, studying, praying. And often we find ourselves like a guitar with the strings wound too tight and about to snap.

I. The Crisis of Paul:

a. The great Apostle Paul came to this place spiritually when trying his best to live for God (Romans 7:15-24). Have you ever been there? You know what is right, you want to do it, but you simply can’t find the strength? Only a person who truly wants to walk with God feels this way! They are aware of their condition; they have the right heart and want to glorify God, but they’re in a crisis.

II. The Crisis of John:

a. Matthew 11:25 starts with the words, “At that time…” What was the time? How many of you know God has promised to keep and to guide those who have put their trust in Him? Word had come to Jesus that John the Baptist was having doubts as to whether Jesus was the Messiah or not. “Are you the One we’re to look for or should we look for another?”

b. And Jesus turned to the crowd and dealt with their expectations of John in Verse 7. Jesus was saying, “There was something written about John, and it cannot be overcome by the winds of opposition!” Likewise, when you came into the kingdom of God, God made a decree over your life! Let the winds of adversity blow, God has made His decree, and nothing can change that! “Blessed is the man who is not be offended in Me,” Jesus said!

III. A Revelation Unto Babes:

a. Jesus said in Matthew 11:16, “ But whereunto shall I liken this generation?” In other words, “No matter how I call, whether it be through mourning or rejoicing, no matter which way I turn, there’s so many who will not come into this life that glorifies Me.” Jesus then began to chastise the cities where most of his mighty works were done because they repented not.

b. That’s why Jesus thanked the Father in Verse 25. He thanked His Father for the secret of Who He was. It was hidden from everyone except those who knew their own lack of strength and completely depended upon God. Paul finds the answer in Romans 7:24-27. Thank God I don’t have to do it in my own strength!

• (Matthew 11:28-30) “Yoke up with Me,” Jesus is saying. “Learn of Me. Just walk with Me. I’m the One Who’s pulling the plow. I’m the One Who provides the strength. I’m the One Who knows where to go. All you have to do is walk with Me in your weakness and I’ll impart to you a strength you don’t have and give you power to do what you could never do alone.”

• “…for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Whatever it is, whether it’s trying to be a good person, get free from sin, be a good spouse, be a good parent, whatever your situation is, would you let go and would you put it in the hands of the One Who will give you the victory? “Come unto me,” Jesus says. “Come unto me.”