By Laura N. Sweet
Read: Matthew 11:20-30
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (v. 30)
John Bunyan’s classic allegory, “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” begins with the main character, Christian, and the terrible burden he carries upon his back. The burden, the weight of his sin, causes him to cry out to Evangelist, “I fear this burden on my back will make me sink lower than the grave, and I’ll fall into Hell.” The Evangelist sends Christian out of the City of Destruction, and Christian eventually loses his burden at the foot of the cross.
Christian was blessed because he was aware of his sin and came to repent and believe. In Matthew 11, Jesus denounced the cities where many of his miracles were performed because they did not believe.
Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum had not repented; they rejected the gospel of Christ. But the Father graciously revealed the truth about Jesus to those whom he had chosen.
To those who believed, Jesus extended this invitation, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (v. 28). Jesus would remove the heavy yoke they wore — the yoke of working to earn their salvation through the Pharisees’ legalistic rules and traditions.
In contrast to those proud religious leaders, Jesus was gentle and lowly in heart. He offered the people rest for their souls.
Are you weary? Are you heavy laden? The invitation is to come to Jesus—right now, as you are, without delay. His yoke is easy, and his burden is light.
As you pray, seek the rest that Jesus gives to those he loves.
—————
Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian school teacher from Midland. She writes devotional material for both adults and children.
Read: Matthew 11:20-30
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (v. 30)
John Bunyan’s classic allegory, “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” begins with the main character, Christian, and the terrible burden he carries upon his back. The burden, the weight of his sin, causes him to cry out to Evangelist, “I fear this burden on my back will make me sink lower than the grave, and I’ll fall into Hell.” The Evangelist sends Christian out of the City of Destruction, and Christian eventually loses his burden at the foot of the cross.
Christian was blessed because he was aware of his sin and came to repent and believe. In Matthew 11, Jesus denounced the cities where many of his miracles were performed because they did not believe.
Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum had not repented; they rejected the gospel of Christ. But the Father graciously revealed the truth about Jesus to those whom he had chosen.
To those who believed, Jesus extended this invitation, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (v. 28). Jesus would remove the heavy yoke they wore — the yoke of working to earn their salvation through the Pharisees’ legalistic rules and traditions.
In contrast to those proud religious leaders, Jesus was gentle and lowly in heart. He offered the people rest for their souls.
Are you weary? Are you heavy laden? The invitation is to come to Jesus—right now, as you are, without delay. His yoke is easy, and his burden is light.
As you pray, seek the rest that Jesus gives to those he loves.
—————
Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian school teacher from Midland. She writes devotional material for both adults and children.
