Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 11:28

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28 (ASV)

Come unto me — Conscious of this fullness of power, the Son of Man turns with infinite compassion to those whose weakness and weariness He has shared, and offers them the rest that no one else can give.

Labour and are heavy laden — These words are broad enough to cover every form of human sin and sorrow, but the most prominent thought at the time was that of the burdens grievous to be borne—the yoke of traditions and ordinances that the Pharisees and scribes had imposed on the consciences of men (Compare to Matthew 23:4 and Acts 15:10).

The first of these words emphasizes the active aspect of human suffering, and the latter emphasizes the passive aspect, whatever the cause.

I will give you rest — The “I” is emphasized in the Greek. He gives what no one else can give: rest from the burden of sin and from the weariness of fruitless toil.