* Two things set the background for this passage:

* 1) In Bible times work and rest were separate.

* You worked 6 days and rested on the 7th, called the Sabbath.

* But in the New Testament work and rest go hand-in-hand.

* Jesus is our Sabbath - He is our rest.

* 2) In Bible times rabbi’s were the ones who taught people.

* They had disciples who learned from them and hopefully they could become rabbis one day as well.

* Each rabbi had a YOKE - which was his way of interpreting Scripture.

* One rabbi interpreted work to mean this, another interpreted it to be that.

* Problem:

* They burdened people with LOTS of rules - people felt they couldn’t please God.

* They made people feel less than them as well.

* So Jesus comes along and addresses these people.

* Vs 28 - Those who know they have a need, you can come.

* He will give you REST - Exodus 33:14: God told Moses the same thing.

* “Go and lead the people, and as you go I’ll give you rest.”

* This looked forward to how work and Rest go hand-in-hand.

* In vs 28, Jesus essentially said, “I am your Sabbath!”

* Vs 29 - Christ asks us to take HIs understanding of Scripture upon us.

* What’s that? Two commands - Love God and Love Others!

* That’s simple.

* “Learn from Me” - “be My disciple.”

* “Gentle and humble” - unlike the spiritual leaders of the day who burdened people.

* Vs 30 - His yoke is easy and burden is light.

* How?

* Because He’s carrying the load!

* Imagine Jesus plowing a field - crown on His head and yoke on His back.

* He’s got a vacant hole on His yoke and He asks if you want to drop your heavy yoke and jump into His.

* What do you say?

* So do you want to find rest in your work?

* Then yoke up with Him - join His work.

* How?

* By honoring the Sabbath!

* You do what you do to glorify Jesus!