Jesus invites the weary to come to Him and find rest.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”Matthew 11:28 (KJV)
What does “Rest” mean in Matthew 11:28?
The Greek word for rest is anapauo, which means to refresh and give relief. Jesus offers it as a gift to those who are tired from carrying heavy loads.
Going deeper
This invitation is addressed to everyone who is worn out. Jesus does not ask the tired to fix themselves first or to arrive with their problems solved. He simply says, come unto me. It is one of the gentlest sentences in the Gospels, and it comes from the one who is fully able to carry what we cannot. He is not impatient with our weariness, and He does not hurry us.
December is one of the most tiring times of the year for many people. There are gifts to buy, meals to plan, travel, expectations, and sometimes grief that arrives with the holidays. The rest Jesus offers is not only sleep, though sleep matters. It is the relief of not having to carry everything alone. Consider what you have been carrying that you were never meant to hold by yourself. Name it to Him today, and take one practical step to lighten the load this week.
Reflect
What are you carrying that you were never meant to hold alone, and will you bring it to Jesus today?
Pray
Jesus, I come to You tired and carrying too much. Give me Your rest, and show me how to lay down what I was never meant to hold. In Jesus' name, amen.
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