Coming to Jesus When I'm Weary - Your Nightly Scripture - July 26th
Coming to Jesus When I’m Weary
Your Nightly Scripture
EVENING SCRIPTURE
Matthew 11
After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.
When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear.
“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
“‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
“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.”
EVENING REFLECTION
This passage is popular and well known; it speaks a word of a blessed word of invitation: “Come to me, if you are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.” Do you need rest this night? Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase called “The Message” puts the invitation this way: “Are you tired? Worn out?: “burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me, and you will recover your life; I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me, watch how I do. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” This is an experience that Jesus brings into all our lives.
There are often many weights that we carry, burdens that lie on our shoulders. In the ancient world, this was called a yoke. A yoke was a large wooden bar that would be placed across the shoulders of oxen as they plowed a field. It was large, heavy, and kind of burdensome. This became an apt image of the spiritual burdens that people so often carried. These spiritual burdens weary our souls – and when we are wearied, there is only one place to go. We go to Jesus. Jesus says come to ME, learn from Me! Hear ME tell you the truth of grace. Jesus positions himself as the spiritual authority in our lives, and his authority is rooted in your life, a truth grounded in grace, mercy, and love, not in duty or obligation.
To learn from Jesus, we need to open our hearts to his voice. Jesus’ words can bring us comfort when we feel in a state of discomfort; peace when we feel that life is spinning out of control; and, in those times when we feel lost or alone, Jesus' gentle words can settle us, calm us, and restore us.
As you end the day, take a few uninterrupted minutes to spend time with Jesus. Dare to believe that he is with you. Hand him whatever struggles or stresses that you carry in the moment and open your life to his word of truth. The more you let his words sink into us, the more you will find spiritual fulfillment and blessed rest.
EVENING PRAYER
Gracious Lord Jesus,
Weariness comes in many guises. I can easily be anxious about what I cannot control; I can find myself worried about the tasks and demands that fill my life; And then there are the times where I spend so much energy trying to earn your grace that I am too tired or preoccupied to receive it.
And so, in this moment, Lord, I stop all my strivings. And I put down all my worries. I quiet myself in your presence, and I release to you all that I carry. Lord, I place my life before you, and I take up your invitation simply to come, as I am. I dare to believe that as you invite me, so you receive me. Help me hear your life-giving word. As I rest my body, may my soul be at rest in your love. I pray all this in your holy name.
Amen.
How did tonight’s scripture speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Your Nightly Scripture forum discussion.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Marcos Calvo
Related Resource: "Knowing God" - John 17:1-5
One of the greatest misconceptions about Christianity is that it's primarily about learning a set of beliefs or following a list of rules. Biblical truth and obedience to God’s Word absolutely matter, but there’s more to the Christian life than some people realize. The Christian life isn't just about acquiring information and doing the right things. At its core, it’s about entering into a relationship with the living God. That's what makes the words of Jesus in John 17 so fascinating. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Dwell on These Things on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
