Matthew 11:28

Commentary on Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)

1. Context within Matthew 11

Matthew 11 unfolds in three movements: Jesus’ affirmation of John the Baptist, His rebuke of unrepentant cities and, finally, His gracious invitation. After sending out the Twelve (11:1) and answering John’s inquiry from prison (11:2–19), Jesus denounces Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum for refusing the kingdom’s call. He then turns tenderly to the spiritually weary (11:25–27), setting the stage for verse 28’s gospel offer of rest.

2. Exegetical Breakdown of Matthew 11:28

“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

• “Come to Me”
  An imperative gospel summons. To “come” means to trust Christ Himself—His person, work and authority—rather than self-effort or religious performance.
• “all you who labour and are heavy laden”
  • Labour (kopiao): the exhausting toil under sin’s condemnation, legalism or life’s pressures.
  • Heavy laden (phortizo): the passive bearing of guilt, fear or oppressive commandments.
• “I will give you rest”
  • Rest (anapauo): radical cessation from fruitless striving—soul-deep peace granted as a gift, not earned.
  • It parallels God’s sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9–10): entrance into covenant-promised relief.

3. Key Evangelical Themes

• Law and Gospel
  • The Law drives us to despair by revealing sin; the Gospel drives us to Christ by revealing divine compassion.
  • Christ’s invitation replaces the Pharisaical “yoke of traditions” (Matthew 23:4) with His gentle yoke (11:29).
• Total Depravity and Divine Grace
  • All are “weary and burdened” by sin’s enslaving power (Romans 3:23).
  • Only irresistible grace in Christ can lift that weight (Ephesians 2:8–9).
• Covenant Rest
  • Rest is not mere physical slumber but covenant-allegiance under the Son (Hebrews 3–4).
  • Believers now “enter His rest” by faith, ceasing from self-justification (Hebrews 4:3).
• Christ-Centred Discipleship
  • Taking His yoke (11:29) means daily learning from Jesus’ humility and meekness (Philippians 2:5–8).
  • True discipleship, born of gratitude, finds joy in service rather than drudgery.

4. Application to Modern Christian Living

1. Acknowledging Our Burdens
   • Name your anxieties—career pressure, relational conflict, spiritual guilt.
   • Confession of inability opens the way for Christ’s aid (1 John 1:9).
2. Cultivating Gospel Rest
   • Regularly meditate on Christ’s finished work (John 19:30).
   • Embrace sabbath rhythms—corporate worship, private devotion, sabbath-keeping.
3. Yoke-Exchange
   • Lay down the “yoke” of self-righteous performance.
   • Pick up Christ’s yoke: trust Him in every decision—finances, family, vocation.
4. Learning from the Master
   • Imitate His humility (Matthew 11:29).
   • Allow Scripture to mould your heart and mind (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
5. Community Support
   • Bear one another’s burdens in gospel love (Galatians 6:2).
   • Find rest in mutual encouragement—small groups, mentoring.

5. The Teaching of Matthew 11:28

Matthew 11:28 teaches that every sinner—overwhelmed by guilt, fear and the futility of self-effort—receives by grace a divine invitation to cast all burdens on Christ. In coming to Him in simple faith, one receives rest of soul, entrance into covenant sabbath and the privilege of learning from the gentle and lowly Master. This rest underpins true discipleship and frees believers for joyful service.