Digging Deeper – Spiritual Rest

In Matthew 11, Jesus gives a gracious invitation to the crowd, saying, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (v. 28). This rest is not simply a reprieve or deferment from labor, but rather “rest for your souls” (v. 29). But who could do such a thing? What a mighty claim! Indeed, the appeal underscores the divinity of Christ—for no one else could provide a remedy that touches beyond the natural. It is one thing to offer a man refreshment; it is another to refresh his very existence—an act that the Old Testament frequently ascribes to God alone.

And yet, Jesus’ invitation is reminiscent of remarks made about this very work. A brief survey of some Old Testament passages shows the similarities between the words of Jesus and those of God in the OT, underscoring that Jesus is, indeed, God:

• Isaiah 14:3 — When the LORD has given you rest from your pain and turmoil and the hard service with which you were made to serve.

• Jeremiah 6:16 — Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.”

• Jeremiah 31:25 — For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.

• Psalm 23:3 — He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

• Psalm 116:7 — Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

It is not difficult to see, then, how Jesus’ claim to restore the souls of men is something that God alone could accomplish. Many of His hearers—Jews likely familiar with the language of the Scriptures—would have made this connection. Similarly, when we hear Jesus’ words in light of similar promises made in the Old Testament, we better understand how He is divinely qualified to be the Savior of our souls.

Be encouraged today by the fact that the One who made you and knows you is also the One who invites you to come to Him, that your soul may be refreshed.