Mathew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”

In Matthew 11, Jesus extends an offer to his disciples. In exchange for the burdens and weights of life, God offers us his peace and his rest. This wonderful offer is captured in the 1855 hymn by Joseph Scriven, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”:  O what peace we often forfeit. O what needless pain we bear All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer! 

Today, you are a recipient of the greatest invitation that you have ever received. Hard to believe? It’s true! I say that this is the greatest invitation because it comes from a person who is infinitely worthy. The person who gives this invitation is Jesus Christ. His incredible invitation is found in Matthew 11:28 where Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

This invitation is for “all who labor and are heavy laden.” This call is not for the self-sufficient. This is not for arrogance or brashness. Unfortunately, many people are too proud to admit that they are burdened. They don’t realize that they need divine help. So, Jesus invites those who labor and are heavy-laden. The word labor means the burdens we take upon ourselves. And the phrase heavy laden refers to the burdens (legalistic rules) that others put upon us (cf. Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46). 

Are you bearing a heavy burden of sin and guilt (Psalm 38:3-4)? Then, Jesus offers you rest. In Matthew 11:28, the word ‘rest’ means salvation. You cannot be set free from your burdens and attain salvation by trying to follow the Law in your own strength or by doing good works. Good works are the fruit of salvation, not the root of it. Christ did all that needed to be done to gain your salvation. All you need to do is come to Jesus with simple trust, repent your sins, and ask him to forgive you. Note that this invitation is universal. Jesus says, “All who labor and are heavy laden.” It doesn’t matter which race you belong to, which religion you follow, which region you belong to, or what your skin color is. This invitation is for you! You are invited!

Those who labour to establish their own righteousness also labour in vain. The convinced sinner is heavy-laden with guilt and terror; and the tempted and afflicted believer has labours and burdens. Christ invites all to come to him for rest to their souls. He alone gives this invitation; men come to him, when, feeling their guilt and misery, and believing his love and power to help, they seek him in fervent prayer. Bible Hub