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In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Obviously, this is the invitation from the Son of God, the Messiah, and it should certainly capture the attention of all men. Sadly, many people ignore this most important invitation. Many ignore the invitation not knowing how important the invitation is and how special the one who made the invitation is. Some do so having never heard the invitation because they have never read the Word of God. Others know the invitation has been made but choose to enjoy the fleeting moments of life following after worldly pleasures rather accepting Jesus and the promises He has made. 

Jesus, who gave the invitation is one whose word is true and whose intent is pure. He desires that all men be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Knowing this should compel us to respond in an affirmative way to the invitation. Still, many reject the offer. The invitation of Jesus demands that we make a choice, we can reject it or we can accept it; there is no middle ground. But if we reject this invitation to whom shall we go for the blessing that Jesus offers? But for those who accept the invitation of Jesus, those who respond to the invitation in obedience, they will receive the promised rest. The call of Jesus is specific because it is for all those who are under the heavy burden of sin in their lives. 

Notice that the invitation is for all men. This is so because all men are under the burden of sin (Romans 3:23 KJV). According to Hebrews 12:1-2, all men are under a great burden of weight that hinders our earthly journey. But Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith is there to help us in our journey. (See Hebrews 5:8-9). It is mankind’s obedience that shows our love for Jesus and a desire to accept His invitation.In John 14:15, Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” And then in John 15:14, He said, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”

In Hebrews 4:9-11, the writer said, “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. While it may at times be difficult to overcome the wiles of Satan, we can do it. We can be made free and know the truth of God (Romans 6:18, John 8:32; 8:36).

In 2 Thessalonians 1:7, Paul said, “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels.” While the Christian life can be difficult for some, when we consider the burden and the danger of sin to the souls of men Christianity is a light burden indeed. 

(Tony Hoss is minister of the Centerview Church of Christ, Elizabethton)