TRUST AND REST
Primary Text: Matthew 11:25–30
Additional Scriptures: Matthew 18:1–4; Matthew 5:3; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; 1 Corinthians 1:18–31; James 3:15–17; Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 30:15
TRUTH ABOUT GOD
Jesus invites us to take His yoke and find rest in humble surrender.
TRUTH FOR MY LIFE
I will relinquish my striving and status-seeking and take Jesus’s yoke upon me.
LESSON CONNECTION
Imagine living under the crushing weight of first-century religious legalism. In Jesus’ time, the Pharisees and teachers of the Law had taken God’s commands and added layers of man-made rules that became an unbearable yoke for ordinary people.
Jesus describes this elsewhere:
“They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry and put them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves aren’t willing to lift a finger to move them” (Matthew 23:4, CSB).
These burdens included extensive Sabbath rules, ritual washings, and legalistic traditions—intended to guard holiness, but resulting in spiritual exhaustion. Against this backdrop, Jesus makes a shocking offer:
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
(Matthew 11:28–30)
Jesus wasn’t promising an easier life, but a better way to live it—with Him, not under the crushing expectations of religion. His yoke fits well, and His heart is gentle.
I. HUMILITY, NOT CHILDISHNESS
A. The Lowly Are Welcomed
In Jesus’ day, children were not seen as examples of faith but as the lowest in social status. So when Jesus says:
“Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 18:3–4)
…it wasn’t about innocent belief but humble self-lowering. This is echoed throughout Scripture:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”
(Matthew 5:3)
“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
(James 4:6)
“All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
(1 Peter 5:5)
Discussion:
How do these verses challenge the way we think about ambition or status in the church?
How might we practically take the “lowest place” in our families, churches, or communities?
B. The “Wise” Are Often Closed Off
“At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants.’”
(Matthew 11:25)
Here Jesus draws a clear contrast between worldly wisdom and kingdom revelation. This same tension is explored in Paul’s letter to Corinth:
“For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved... For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will set aside the intelligence of the intelligent. Where is the one who is wise? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn’t God made the world’s wisdom foolish? ... God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong... so that no one may boast in His presence.”
(1 Corinthians 1:18–29, excerpts)
And again in James:
“Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.”
(James 3:15–17)
Reflection:
Have you ever found that what seemed wise by worldly standards turned out to be spiritually hollow?
What does it mean to cultivate wisdom “from above” in your relationships or decisions?
II. JESUS' INVITATION TO A NEW WAY
A. "Take My Yoke Upon You"
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
(Matthew 11:28–30)
A legend says Jesus the carpenter crafted the best yokes in Nazareth and hung a sign: “My yokes fit well.” Whether factual or not, the image is true spiritually.
In the ancient world, an older ox would be yoked with a younger one. The older ox bore the weight and steered the path. The younger simply had to walk alongside and learn.
Jesus invites us to do just that. When we experience restlessness in our relationship with God, perhaps it is because we are resisting His leadership rather than walking in rhythm with Him.
Discussion:
Are there burdens you’ve taken on that Jesus hasn’t asked you to carry?
Where might Jesus be gently inviting you to stop pulling and start walking with Him?
B. Rest Comes Through Yielding, Not Striving
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
(Psalm 46:10)
“For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said: You will be delivered by returning and resting; your strength will lie in quiet confidence. But you are not willing.”
(Isaiah 30:15)
Walking with Jesus is not about endless effort. It is about yielding to the love of God, like floating in the ocean instead of thrashing about.
When we surrender, we find strength. When we rest in His presence, we are renewed.
“In partnership with Me,” Jesus says, “you will learn how to live free.”
Reflection:
Where do you need to stop striving and start yielding?
Can you name a moment when you experienced God’s rest in the middle of difficulty?
INTERNALIZING THE MESSAGE
Jesus contrasts His yoke with the Pharisees’ burdensome traditions. They made religion a burden too heavy to bear. But Jesus offers rest through relationship.
When you are yoked with Jesus, He carries the weight. He leads the way. He shapes your soul. And He gives you the one thing this world can never manufacture: rest for your soul.
Let Him lead. Let Him teach. Let Him carry the load.
Scriptures Covered in This Lesson
Matthew 11:25–30
Matthew 18:3–4
Matthew 5:3
James 4:6
1 Peter 5:5
1 Corinthians 1:18–31
James 3:15–17
Matthew 23:4
Psalm 46:10
Isaiah 30:15
