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Matthew 11

And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:

The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.

For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,

And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.

The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

Come unto me, all ye that labour 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.

What does Matthew 11:28 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 11:28 is a verse in which Jesus extends an invitation to all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest.

It suggests a profound level of compassion and understanding on the part of Jesus towards those who face hardship.

The "labour" and "heavy laden" components refer to the struggles of life, especially the burdensome religious laws and social expectations of the time.

Jesus promises "rest," symbolizing relief, peace, and spiritual renewal.

It indicates a transformative experience that shifts the burden from the individual to Jesus Himself, who is willing to bear it.

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

This verse comes from a section of the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus is speaking about the responses of various cities to His message, as well as His relationship with the Father and the revelation of the Father through the Son.

The time is roughly the first century CE in Galilee.

Matthew is seen historically as writing primarily for a Jewish audience, explaining Jesus' fulfillment of Jewish prophecy.

During this period, religious obligations under the Pharisaic interpretation of the Mosaic Law could be perceived as burdensome, and Jesus speaks against the legalistic practices that added weight to people's lives.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Matthew 11:28 is seen as an illustration of grace. Jesus presents an alternative to the works-based righteousness of the Pharisees by emphasizing faith and rest in Him.

Theologically, this verse is often interpreted as an encouragement that one's salvation and spiritual peace are found not through personal endeavor but through trust in Jesus Christ.

Different Christian traditions have varying takes on this verse. Catholic theology might connect it with the sacrament of confession, where burdens are lifted. Protestant interpretations often use it to explain the principle of "sola fide," meaning faith alone brings salvation, as opposed to works.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can comfort those feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, offering a spiritual refuge.

It encourages believers to approach Jesus in prayer or through reflection, seeking relief from their struggles.

It can also inspire acts of compassion and the formation of communities or support systems that help alleviate the burdens of others.

Cross-References

"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:30)
"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." (Psalm 55:22)
"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." (Matthew 11:29)
"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." (Isaiah 40:29)
"Come unto me, all ye that thirst." (Isaiah 55:1)

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek of Matthew 11:28 include:

"Come unto me" (δεῦτε πρός με) implies a personal invitation;
"Labour" (κοπιῶντες) can refer to growing weary or toiling with effort;
"Heavy laden" (πεφορτισμένοι) implies being heavily burdened or loaded down;
"Rest" (ἀνάπαυσιν) is used in a sense of refreshment or cessation from labor.

Understanding these Greek terms underscores the personal and compassionate nature of the invitation and the promise of relief.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to the comfort offered by Jesus in this verse, several ancient religions and myths speak of gods or saviors who provide rest or relief from burdens.

For example, in the Egyptian myth, the god Horus offers protection and support in life's struggles.

In Buddhism, the concept of taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community) reflects a parallel of finding rest from the suffering inherent in life.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological and physiological research recognizes the impacts of stress and overwork on a person's health.

Scientific studies have shown that mental and physical rest can dramatically improve well-being.

In this respect, Jesus's offer of rest resonates with contemporary understandings of the need for recovery and peace for overall health.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered interpretations on Matthew 11:28.

Some, such as John Calvin, see Jesus as our spiritual rest, contrasting the rest He offers with the works of the law.

Others, like William Barclay, suggest the verse as an invitation to a life of discipleship, which is a service that brings joy and peace rather than weariness.

Contemporary scholars like N.T.

Wright emphasize the kingdom of God bringing rest to those who are worn down by the world's demands.

Regardless of the nuanced views, this verse is widely regarded as a central illustration of the grace and comfort offered through faith in Christ.

Matthew 11

Matthew 11

What does Matthew 11:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 11:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?