The Story of Jesus Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 (Lesson 21)
Introduction:
1. In addition to growing in grace, the Bible teaches in 2 Peter 3:18 that we are to grow in the knowledge of Christ. 2. To grow in the knowledge of Christ we must search the Scriptures (John 5:39). 3. Passages such as Matthew 11:1 indicate that the Lord's primary work was "teaching and preaching." 4. As Jesus taught and preached throughout Palestine, He invited people to come to Him to receive a blessing that He alone provides. 5. In this lesson we are examining Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28-30.
Discussion:
I. JESUS' INVITATION IS FOR PEOPLE TO COME TO HIM
A. At the time, the scribes and Pharisees were influencing the Jewish people. 1. Their teaching had some serious problems. 2. According to Matthew 23, the scribes and Pharisees: a. did not practice what they preached (vs.3) b. placed tremendous burdens on people (vs.4) c. actually kept people out of the kingdom (vs.13) d. made their converts worse (vs.15). B. Jesus invites people to come to Him rather than to teachers like the scribes and Pharisees. C. Jesus offers a special blessing that no one else can provide.
II. JESUS' INVITATION IS FOR ALL PEOPLE
A. Jesus invites all people who "labor and are heavy laden" to come to Him. 1. Those that "labor" are weary or exhausted from burdens or grief. 2. The "heavy laden" are burdened down from the weight of sin. 3. Jesus has compassion on everyone in these conditions (Matthew 9:36). B. Regardless of who or what a person is, Jesus will give "rest" [tranquility of the soul] to those who come to Him.
III. JESUS' INVITATION CONTAINS CERTAIN CONDITIONS FOR RECEIVING HIS REST
A. A person must take Jesus' "yoke" upon him. 1. A "yoke" is a sign of submission to someone else. 2. Jesus has a yoke that must be worn and a burden that must be carried. 3. Some people find this hard to understand; however, when we compare Jesus' requirements to the penalty of sin, we see that His "yoke is easy" and His "burden is light" (Proverbs 13:15b). B. A person must learn "of" [from] Jesus. 1. Jesus' teaching must be followed (John 8:31-32; 12:48). 2. Jesus' example must also be followed (Philippians 2:5-8). 3. Jesus does not force anyone to do His will because He is "meek and lowly in heart." 4. Love for Jesus should lead us to comply with His conditions (John 14:15). 5. Those who come to Jesus on His terms will find "rest." C. Two Bible characters illustrate these principles, both negatively and positively. 1. The rich young ruler came to Jesus, but he left without finding rest because he would not submit to the Lord's requirement (Matthew 19:16-22). 2. The Canaanite woman came to Jesus and found rest (Matthew 15:21-28).
