Stop Striving and Run to Jesus for Help

Bible Passage: Matthew 11:28

I. Jesus extends an invitation to-all who are wearied by the troubles of life to come to Him (28a-b) [who are tired from carrying heavy loads] because

(a) He has the access to the Father and the resources of the Father (verse 25-27)
(b) He is the only One who knows the Father (verse 25-27)
(c) He chooses to reveal the Father to those He chooses (verse 25-27)

II. This passage has many similarities with Wisdom teachings [cf. Sirach 51] where Jesus is presented as the Wisdom

III. Who were “the weary and burdened” in 11:28? (Various possibilities)

(a) It does not refer to “physically weary and tired” ones

(b) It could refer to those who are broken inside due to various reasons

1. Those who think that they have figured out answers to life
2. Those who try to solve their problem and those of others (fixers with savior syndrome)
3. Those who try to control every problem and everyone’s problem (control freaks)
4. Those who developed a sense of entitlement (expectations)
5. Those who feel that the world is revolving around them and for them

(c) It could refer to those who have unrealistic expectations from fellow humans and materials

IV. How do the weary and burdened look and behave?

(a) Disappointed, frustrated, misunderstood
(b) Tendency to fix others
(c) Never satisfied with what they have and where they are (Big whole in their heart)
(d) Deep desire to control others, situations, etc.

V. What do we mean by “come to me”?

(a) Acknowledge your brokenness, helplessness
(b) Recognize/believe Jesus can handle all your life-situations
(c) Hand all your problems to Him
(d) Cease to have expectations on people and materials
(e) Do not fix your problems yourself with your own techniques (stop your control tendency)

VI. Jesus promises “rest” to those who respond to His offer (28c)

(a) It is not cessation of work/labor
(b) You do not carry your loads, but someone else will carry your loads
(c) You can recover from the weariness and tiredness

Take Away: Seize Jesus’ invitation