One-minute read.
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.
Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus wants us to bring our burdens to Him, lay them at the foot of the cross, and receive rest. Pharisees, the religious leaders of the time, burdened the people with their impossible expectations of fulfilling the law. With over 600 rules to follow, no one could keep them all. Initially, the Lord gave Moses the Ten Commandments for people to live by, but over time, those commandments grew. Since we could not keep the first ten, trying to keep them all burdened people.
Christ gave us a new commandment that we can summarize in four words: love God and others (Mark 12:30-31). Placing our faith in Jesus admits we can’t keep all the religious laws, and we no longer need to feel burdened by them because of His actions on the cross. Taking the Savior’s yoke upon us means accepting His grace and mercy, recognizing we can do nothing to earn the gift. God offers us rest through Jesus, not only for the world to come but for today’s troubles. Let the Savior rescue you from your burdens. Put on His yoke and find rest.
Look to the cross for help with today’s struggles. Give your worries to the Savior and allow Him to fight your battles. Focus on loving God and others with the gift of grace Christ offers. In Him, you will find rest.
Journaling Questions:
What burden do you need to give to the Lord today?
How has putting on Jesus’ yoke helped you in the past?
What problems have you given to Jesus, then taken back?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving us relief from our burdens. Help us lay our struggles at the foot of the cross and leave them there. Let us put on Christ’s yoke and discover the rest He offers. Give us new life in Jesus as we follow Him.
IJNIP. Amen
