FIND REST IN JESUS

Passage: Matthew 11:20-30

Key verse: 28

NIV

Woe on Unrepentant Towns(A)

20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!(B) For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon,(C) they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.(D) 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.(E) 23 And you, Capernaum,(F) will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades.[a](G) For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”(H)

The Father Revealed in the Son(I)

25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father,(J) Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.(K) 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

27 “All things have been committed to me(L) by my Father.(M) No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.(N)

28 “Come to me,(O) all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.(P) 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,(Q) for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.(R) 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”(S)

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Footnotes
  1. Matthew 11:23 That is, the realm of the dead
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Woe to Unrepentant Cities

20 (A)Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 (B)“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in (C)Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 (D)But I tell you, it will be more bearable on (E)the day of judgment for (F)Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, (G)Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to (H)Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 (I)But I tell you that (J)it will be more tolerable on (K)the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

Come to Me, and I Will Give You Rest

25 (L)At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, (M)Lord of heaven and earth, that (N)you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and (O)revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your (P)gracious will.[a] 27 (Q)All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son (R)except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone (S)to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 (T)Come to (U)me, all who labor and are (V)heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and (W)learn from me, for I am (X)gentle and lowly in heart, and (Y)you will find rest for your souls. 30 For (Z)my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

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Footnotes
  1. Matthew 11:26 Or for so it pleased you well
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

Jesus brought severe warnings against the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, where he had spent most of his time, preaching, teaching, and performing miraculous signs. They were privileged to see Jesus and experience the power and authority of the Messiah. If they did not respond with repentance and praise to the Lord, their punishment will be even more severe than for those who did not have such a chance while living on earth (24).

Jesus taught heavenly wisdom and truth in simple language that those with a pure and humble heart could learn and accept (25). Only those who come to Jesus with a humble heart can inherit his kingdom (5:3).

Revealing that he is the only one qualified to introduce us to the Father (27), Jesus invites all to come to him to find rest in him (28). Neither severe sacrifice nor abstinence from human pleasure can bring us salvation. Share in Jesus’ yoke and take his burden. Then he promises the rest for our souls (29).

Prayer: Father, thank you for showing the truth through Jesus. I want to follow him and rejoice in my hope in your kingdom. Would you guide me today so that I can share your work and be free from the burden of my own thoughts?

One Word: Jesus gives rest