Bible Verse

Matthew 11:28

Jesus is teaching about His relationship with the Father and offering an invitation to all who are struggling under religious burdens and life's difficulties.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

— Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

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Other Translations

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

— ESV

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

— KJV

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'"

— NLT

Understanding the Context

Book Context

This invitation comes after Jesus pronounces woe on unrepentant cities and thanks the Father for revealing truth to humble people rather than the proud and learned.

Historical Background

First-century Jews lived under the heavy burden of 613 laws and traditions added by religious leaders. Jesus offers a radical alternative—rest through relationship with Him rather than religious performance.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown

"Come to me"

A personal invitation from Jesus. 'Come' is present imperative—a command but also an invitation to ongoing relationship. Jesus positions Himself as the source of what we need.

"all you who are weary and burdened"

'Weary' (Greek: kopiao) means exhausted from labor. 'Burdened' means weighted down, oppressed. Jesus addresses those exhausted from trying to earn God's favor or carrying life's heavy loads—religious burdens, guilt, anxiety, suffering.

"and I will give you rest"

'I will give' is emphatic—Jesus personally promises and provides rest. 'Rest' (Greek: anapauo) means refreshment, cessation from labor, peace. It's not just physical rest but spiritual rest—peace with God and peace in your soul.

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This is grace—rest is given, not earned. It contrasts with religious systems that add burdens. Jesus doesn't promise life without difficulty, but rest for the soul amidst life's challenges.

Key Themes

Rest in ChristGrace versus worksJesus as source of peaceFreedom from burdensInvitation to relationship

Applying This Verse to Your Life

  1. 1

    Bring your exhaustion, burdens, and struggles directly to Jesus rather than trying to fix everything yourself.

  2. 2

    Release religious performance and striving to earn God's approval; receive His grace instead.

  3. 3

    Find regular spiritual rest through time with Jesus in prayer and Scripture.

  4. 4

    Share this invitation with others who are weary and burdened.

  5. 5

    Replace anxiety and stress with the peace that comes from trusting Jesus with your concerns.

Questions for Reflection

  • What burdens are you carrying that Jesus invites you to bring to Him?
  • Are you trying to earn God's favor through performance, or resting in Jesus' finished work?
  • What would it look like to 'come to Jesus' today with your weariness?
  • How can you experience more of the rest Jesus offers?

Related Scripture

Psalm 55:22

"Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

1 Peter 5:7

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

John 14:27

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives."

Philippians 4:6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

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