1. At this time of year, predictions and resolutions are common. 2. The predictions of men may not come to pass, but those that are based on Scripture are dependable. 3. Today we are especially interested in one prediction that is based on the Lord's statements in these verses -- in 2025 Jesus will still invite people to come to Him for rest. 4. This brings us to the theme of our lesson -- we are studying passages that teach us "how to find rest for your soul." 5. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion:
I. OUR WORLD NEEDS REST
A. Jesus mentioned "rest" in vs.28, but He described it in vs.29b as "rest unto your souls" [spiritual rest]. B. The Lord offers His rest to those who "labor" [exhausted from burdens or grief] and "are heavy laden" [burdened down from the weight of sin]. C. The horrible events of last week illustrate how our world needs rest. 1. The people who harmed themselves and others needed rest. 2. People who have been harmed and their families are in need of rest. D. The world needs rest, including Christians (Romans 8:22-23). E. This brings us to our next point. II. THE LORD PROVIDES THE REST THAT WE NEED
A. He said, "Come unto me" and "I will give you rest." B. He experienced the difficulties that we face (Hebrews 4:15). C. He has compassion on us because of our need for rest (Matthew 9:36). D. The Lord provides the rest we need, but He said in vs.29b that we must "find" it. E. We need rest, and the Lord will provide it; however, . . . III. THE LORD HAS REQUIREMENTS FOR RECEIVING HIS REST
A. We must come to Him and listen to His teaching. 1. Jesus revealed His will in His teaching (Matthew 11:1). 2. We must avoid the mistake of the people we read about in Matthew 11:20-24. 3. We must be like the people Jesus mentioned in Matthew 11:25-27. B. We must take His "yoke" upon us. 1. A "yoke" is a sign of submission. 2. To be followers of Christ, we must submit to His will (Matthew 16:24-25). 3. When we compare the Lord's requirements to the penalty of sin, we see that His "yoke is easy," and His "burden is light." C. We must learn "of" [from] Jesus. 1. The Lord does not force anyone to do His will because He is "meek and lowly in heart." 2. We are to follow His example (Philippians 2:5-8). 3. Love will lead us to comply with His instructions (John 14:15; 15:14). Conclusion:
1. How grateful we need to be that the Lord will invite people to come to Him for rest this year. 2. Let us conclude with the encouraging words that David wrote in Psalm 23.
