Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 11:25-30

"At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: yea, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in thy sight. All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth the Son, save the Father; neither doth any know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal [him.] Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." — Matthew 11:25-30 (ASV)

It is fitting for children to be grateful. When we come to God as a Father, we must remember that he is Lord of heaven and earth, which obliges us to come to him with reverence as the sovereign Lord of all; yet with confidence, as one able to defend us from evil and to supply us with all good. Our blessed Lord added a remarkable declaration, that the Father had delivered into his hands all power, authority, and judgment. We are indebted to Christ for all the revelation we have of God the Father's will and love, ever since Adam sinned.

Our Saviour has invited all who labour and are heavy-laden to come to him. In some senses, all men are so. Worldly men burden themselves with fruitless cares for wealth and honours; the pleasure-seeking and the sensual labour in pursuit of pleasures; the slave of Satan and his own lusts is nothing more than a drudge on earth. 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 for 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. Thus it is the duty and benefit of weary and heavy-laden sinners to come to Jesus Christ. This is the gospel call: Whoever will, let him come. All who come in this way will receive rest as Christ's gift and obtain peace and comfort in their hearts.

But in coming to him, they must take his yoke and submit to his authority. They must learn from him all things regarding their comfort and obedience. He accepts the willing servant, however imperfect the services. Here we may find rest for our souls, and here only. Nor do we need to fear his yoke.

His commandments are holy, just, and good. It requires self-denial and exposes us to difficulties, but this is abundantly repaid, even in this world, by inward peace and joy. It is a yoke that is lined with love. So powerful are the assistances he gives us, so suitable are the encouragements, and so strong are the consolations to be found in the way of duty, that we may truly say it is a yoke of pleasantness. The way of duty is the way of rest. The truths Christ teaches are such that we may entrust our souls to them.

Such is the Redeemer's mercy; and why should the labouring and burdened sinner seek for rest from any other source? Let us come to him daily for deliverance from wrath and guilt, from sin and Satan, from all our cares, fears, and sorrows. But forced obedience, far from being easy and light, is a heavy burden. In vain do we draw near to Jesus with our lips while the heart is far from him.

Then come to Jesus to find rest for your souls.