GOSPEL OF MATTHEW - REST FOR THE WEARY

Matthew 11:20-30 When Faith Feels Heavy

Two weeks ago we talked about Matthew 11:1–19 and there we discussed that even the strongest believers can wrestle with doubt — yet Jesus meets those questions with compassion and truth. John the Baptist’s imprisonment reminds us that faith sometimes requires waiting in the dark.

Jesus redefines greatness — not by what we achieve but by how we serve. And when the world refuses to listen, wisdom calls us to live faithfully, knowing that the fruit of our obedience will speak louder than any argument.

The Kingdom of God doesn’t fit neatly into worldly categories. It confuses the proud, comforts the humble, and calls all who hear to a deeper, unshakable trust in Christ.

Let us be people of faith who wait patiently, walk humbly, and live boldly — proving by our lives that wisdom is indeed justified by her children.  We continue today with When Faith Feels Heavy and the rest for the weary so as we being let us pray!

Sermon Title:

“Rest for the Weary: When Faith Feels Heavy” Matthew 11:20–30 – Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.” At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Big Idea:

When we turn from pride to humility and come to Jesus with surrendered hearts, we find the true rest our souls have been longing for.

Point 1 – Faith That Responds, Not Resists (vv. 20–24)

Counter-Cultural Illustration: Our culture says, “Seeing is believing.” But in God’s Kingdom, believing is seeing. Many today demand proof before trust — yet Jesus calls us to faith that obeys before understanding. The resistance isn’t intellectual; it’s spiritual pride.

Illustration: Imagine being invited to the best meal you’ve ever seen but refusing to eat because you didn’t like the chef. The people in Chorazin and Bethsaida witnessed miracles but rejected the Master — not for lack of evidence, but for lack of repentance.

Key Idea: The greatest sin is not ignorance but indifference — knowing the truth and refusing to respond.

To say Sodom was preferred or would receive less punishment than the Capernaum where Jesus spent a lot of his ministry would have sparked outrage

Like it would be better for a Muslim or a Hindu on the day of judgement than for those that play Christian

The people did not grasp the weight of the miracles – the healings and raising from the dead were only powerful because of Jesus’ message and calling people as the KofG was at hand – repent and be save – your Christ – your Messiah is here

It is a warning to us – the current church – just coming to church does not mean anything – we are called to submit to His authority and Judas is a reminder we can be in a Gospel preaching church and still be far from Christ

This is a call to not be nonchalant and pick and choose Scripture to live by – it’s a package deal – its all applicable

Supporting Scriptures:

John 12:37–40 – “Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him.”

Romans 2:4 – “Do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”

Hebrews 3:15 – “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

Open-Ended Questions:

1. How have you seen God at work in your life that calls you to respond with faith?

2. What causes people to resist God’s truth even when they’ve experienced His goodness?

3. How can we help others move from curiosity to conviction in faith?

Point 2 – Faith That Learns Humility (vv. 25–27)

Illustration: Think of a child learning to walk — they fall often, but they always reach for the parent’s hand. Jesus rejoices that the Father reveals truth not to the self-sufficient but to the childlike. Humility is the door to revelation.

Counter-Cultural Illustration: Culture teaches self-promotion: “Be the expert, be the influencer, be the one who knows.” But in the Kingdom, the humble are the ones who truly see. While the world chases credentials, Jesus celebrates childlike dependence — not childishness, but trust.

Key Idea: Spiritual revelation comes not through intellect but through intimacy with the Father.

Jesus’ intimacy with the Father is shown here – He immediately prays and not a prayer of lament but a prayer of Thanksgiving

This is not about head knowledge but heart movement – wise and childlike –

Proud would ignore – humble like a child learning to walk reaching out for the Father’s hand – a child completely dependent on the Father

Craig Blomberg reminds us that Humility is a prerequisite for knowing receiving God’s revelations

Supporting Scriptures:

James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Corinthians 1:27 – “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise.”

Psalm 25:9 – “He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble his way.”

Open-Ended Questions:

1. What’s the difference between being childlike and being childish in your faith?

2. How can humility open your heart to see God’s truth more clearly?

3. How does pride block us from understanding God’s will?

Point 3 – Faith That Finds Rest in Jesus (vv. 28–30)

Counter-Cultural Illustration: Culture promises rest through escape — vacations, entertainment, and distractions. But true rest isn’t found in running away; it’s found in running toJesus. Rest isn’t relief from work; it’s renewal in His presence.

Illustration: Picture a farmer trying to plow with a heavy load on his back instead of using the oxen. Jesus says, “Come to me... take my yoke upon you.” The yoke was not a burden but a tool of partnership — an invitation to walk in rhythm with Him.

Key Idea: Rest is not the absence of work but the presence of Jesus in the work.

Tired workers need their rest – so do we need spiritual rest

His yoke is light – His burden is light – He is the Way, the Truth, the Life

Law is burdensome – Relationship with Him – not burdensome and He carries the weight with us – all the way to the cross.

When we follow Him we are not free from trials, tribulations but we can find rest in Him

Vernon Grounds said, "God works concursively with us to accomplish his purposes."

He won't do it for us but He will do it with us.

Completely depend and trust in Him

If we go to Him – take His yoke – learn from Him – He promises to work with us and give us rest

Discipleship – learn from the master and replicate – His discipleship program less burdensome than the Pharisees and the Law

Supporting Scriptures:

Hebrews 4:9–10 – “So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God…”

Philippians 4:6–7 – “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Open-Ended Questions:

1. What burdens are you carrying that Jesus invites you to lay down?

2. How does walking in step with Jesus change your pace in life?

3. What does it mean to “take His yoke” in your current season?

Closing Idea:

Jesus doesn’t promise a life without weight — He promises to carry it with us. When we come to Him in humility and surrender, He trades our exhaustion for peace, our striving for strength, and our burdens for His rest.

Final Summary:

In Matthew 11:20–30, Jesus reveals three kinds of faith:

Faith that responds— choosing repentance over resistance.

Faith that learns humility— becoming teachable and trusting like a child.

Faith that finds rest— walking with Jesus, not ahead of Him.

The weary world tells us to hustle harder, climb higher, and carry more. But Jesus whispers, “Come to Me.” The invitation still stands — not to religion, but to relationship; not to striving, but to stillness; not to burden, but to blessing.

True rest begins when we stop trying to earn what Jesus has already given — His peace, His presence, and His partnership in every step of life.

Let us pray!