COME TO ME

BACKGROUND: Chapter 11 opens with a crisis of faith as John is saddled with doubts and questionings. John, imprisoned by opposition in Machaerus is burdened with fear. He is facing a formidable challenge and an uncertain future. The movement in chapter 11 flows from John’s questionings and fears to the perplexity of would-be disciples; and the city’s unresponsive to the ministry and miracles of Jesus.

SITUATION: DOES life seem like a burden right now? Do you feel as if you have a weight on your shoulders? Are you searching for things or relationships that you think will make you happy? Are the daily challenges with COVID, racial unrest, health concerns and job uncertainty weighing you down?

· Pressure refers to being “pressed down” or “constrained”—it can cause us to crack mentally, emotionally, spiritually or physically.

There are two (3) sources of pressure:

(1) Internal: assessing one’s ability to handle circumstances or people

(2) External: circumstances or people outside of my ability to control

(3) Infernal: pressure exerted of control by demonic forces

COMPLICATION: “Take my yoke…Learn…” How to handle that which has come into my life? Where do I lay my burdens? Turning to unhealthy behaviors and ungodly methods to cope with stress and manage the pressure

SOLUTION: Come, Take & Learn…

(1) Come to me in relationship—this opens the door to release the stress, pressures, and burdens. Give them over to the Lord!

(2) Take my yoke-- Jesus dealt with life’s burdens, pressures and stresses by going away to pray! He sat at the Father’s feet so he can be re-energized!

(3) Learn from me— Resting in Jesus allows me to live in the present without regretting my past or being anxious about my future!!