Message for March 2, 2025 from Pastor Shirley

“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.”  Matthew 11:28-30                                                                                                In Matthew 23:4 Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for laying heavy burdens on the shoulders of the people. He was not speaking about physical burdens. The “yoke of the Pharisees” is the burdensome yoke of self-righteousness and legalistic law-keeping was what Jesus was referring to.  In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus is giving the invitation to those who were burdened by the system of works (the law) to  come to him                                                                           The good news is that Jesus promises to all who come to Him that He will give them rest from the heavy burden of trying to earn their way into heaven and rest from the oppressive yoke of self-righteousness and legalism. Jesus encourages those who are “heavy laden” to take His yoke upon them, and in so doing they will find rest for their souls.