What Jesus Did! 'Find Rest in Me' — Matthew 11:29-30

Saturday, May 29, 2021

[Jesus continued:] "Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."
— Matthew 11:29-30 NLT

Key Thought

Rest! Doesn't that sound nice? In a culture that has gone mad for business and activity and has exchanged recreation for rest, it sounds especially nice. But we must not be deceived. Jesus' way isn't necessarily simple. His call to discipleship isn't escapism. But there is a difference between doing nothing and resting. There is a difference between being burdened and doing strenuous things. In a world where so many things we chase for gratification leave us depleted, Jesus is promising that when we take up our cross and follow him, he can give us rest — that restorative, nurturing, and rekindling strength that gives us the power to face what life brings and Satan throws in our paths.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, I know you set a cycle into this world by resting on the seventh day. I believe Jesus when he says he brings rest to those who are burdened and weary. Please forgive me when I've tried to be my own strength and survive on too little rest or on false rest. I want to place my life, my soul, in Jesus' care and honor him. Help me please, dear Father, to find his rest. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 3:19-20
  • Isaiah 28:12-13
  • 1 John 5:3-5

Comments

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 11:29-30 NLT — "Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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