This year, my daughters and I have started on a bible plan that takes us through the New Testament. For week 3, we read from Matthew chapters 11 to 15, and the memory verse set for the week is a verse that I initially hesitated to memorise, Matthew 11:28. As I’ve misunderstood that, it meant eternal rest only.
However, as I’ve read the surrounding chapters, I am getting a deeper understanding (I pray I am) 🙏, leading to week 4’s theme, Rest! Rest from what, one may ask? Here’s what Matthew 11:28 reads:
Matthew 11:28 NIV
[28] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the verb ‘rest’ has two primary meanings. Firstly, it means to temporarily stop an activity to relax and recharge. For instance, a doctor may advise someone to rest for a few days. Secondly, it refers to supporting or leaning something on another surface, such as resting one’s head on a shoulder or a bicycle against a wall.
I’m drawn to the second definition of rest, which speaks to our deep need for support. As Christians and being mere humans, we’re not immune to the challenges of life. We need Jesus to carry and support us throughout our walk of faith.
The stories from Matthew chapters 11 to 15 include – inviting the weary to come to Him for rest (11:28-30), healing on the Sabbath, sparking controversy with Pharisees (12:1-14), teaching in parables and explaining them to His disciples, feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish (14:13-21), walking on water (14:22-33), healing a Canaanite woman’s daughter (15:21-28) and feeding the 4,000 (15:29-38) – just to name a few.
Throughout these chapters, Jesus demonstrates His power, compassion, and invitation to rest in Him. His promise in Matthew 11:28-30 remains a cornerstone of our faith: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” We can trust in Jesus’ promise to carry our burdens and give us rest. What more could we ask for? What are we waiting for?
We can not add to or take away from Jesus’ teachings. His promise of rest is available not just in eternity but in the here and now. When we put our trust in Him, we can experience rest from our worries and burdens, freeing us from the cycle of self-reliance and overexertion that can lead us away from faith in Jesus.
Psalms 62:5 NIV [5]
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
To God be the glory always ❤️🙏
Idau Hahine 