Rest for the weary

[FFC]

"what are people weary of"?

To make it simple, Working way too hard without a break. Whether in a spiritual sense or physical, this is a bad combination.

[Kurieuo]

I have a question. Matthew 11:28-30 says this:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (NIV)

What does this mean?

Well, I know when I've studied the passage in the past, the use of the word "yoke" was described culturally as extending beyong the illustration of an actual oxen yoke per se, and it was using a colloquialism often used in terms of the teaching of the Rabbi's. The contrast then compares the yoke of the law versus the light yoke of Christ.

I like this response and think it is the way to understand the passage. Rabbi's were respected teachers of their people and would gain followers of their own teachings. In this way, followers are considered to be "yoked" to a Rabbi's teachings.

I see Christ is saying His own teachings of Law and so on will not burden people like others, and that He is offering knowledge of something attainable and accessible to all. With the weary part, I can image people were finding it impossible to follow the teachings of Pharisees and other spiritual leaders, and so were constantly becoming disappointed and being left with despair. Christ promises that His own yoke is not the same, but will satisfy and give them rest.

[LowlyOne]

Jac, some material comes to mind that I urge you to get, for it deals with this very topic, and has great spiritual application and enhancement. Silent Killers of Faith, Bill Crosby, The Rest of the Gospel: When the partial gospel has worn you out, Dan Stone, and Grace Walk, Steve McVey. Each of them belong in the Christian's bookshelf. Believe that!