In Matthew 11: 28- 30, Jesus gives a personal invitation to everyone, that they might have a close and real relationship with him. He sends his invitation with these gracious words: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. 29. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The little word “all” is a key word in this passage because it leaves no one out. The main theme is, “Those who are lost and under the burden of sin.” We know that because the rest he promises is for “your souls.” Romans 3:23 puts us all under that burden, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” But, he is also inviting all who are under any burden of life; whether it is physical, financial, emotional, or spiritual. All are invited to come to him with all their burdens and cares. Peter emphasizes this promise in 1 Peter 5:7, where he says, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” Everything that you care about, he cares about, because he cares for you. If it brings you grief, anxiety or fear, he wants to lift that load, relieve the burden, and allow you to rest. When you cast all your cares upon him, it is then his responsibility, and you can claim the promise in Psalm 4:8 “I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” Then, Proverbs 3:24-26 proclaims this great truth: “When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. 25. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. 26. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.”
If you want true rest, joy, peace, and happiness, it can only come from Jesus Christ. He said in our text verses, “Come unto me…and I will give you rest.” “Me” and “I” are speaking of him. The truth is, “come to me and I will.” There is faith involved in that. He is the only one who can give all the needs of our lives. 2 Peter 1:3 makes it plain, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.”
The first place we should go with our burdens is to Jesus! It seems that we often try everything else to fix our problems, then, when totally out of hand, we go to Christ. Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Yoke up with Christ and he will carry the load!