The Great Trade Off

Tiredness takes on many forms.

We can be tired physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.

We seek relief in many forms.

Addiction and all of the above forms are still true. We spend more money, try to make more money.

There are three commands in these verses.

We will look briefly at each one as we head towards communion.

Invitation: Come!

Jesus is inviting those who know they are burdened down by the cares of the world and “religious” life to come to him. He is bidding those like John the Baptist who are struggling with the question, “Did I miss God somehow?” Those who are trying to figure out where God must be in teh midst of pain, turmoil, despair and information of our age.

We must take.

However, the invitation will lead us to do something in response. We must take on the yoke of Jesus. I think it is intentional Matthew did not say “receive” but instead in the use of his words gives the imagery of a voluntary submission to the yoke of Jesus.

Notice Jesus’ character.

He is gentle, meek, and not willing to “force himself” upon anyone. This contrasts to our natural tendency to demand, force, and put upon someone else what we are also doing.

Learn from Jesus.

Is is our example and trailblazer. The yoke of Jesus will always lead us into greater depths with him. By the Spirit which he gives we are able to stand true.

The result: true rest for our souls.

Notice though as we look to Jesus we do not get a sense of rest in our bodies, or sometimes our minds. We will still struggle with many things but we will have rest which can transform.