<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Scripture: Matthew 11:29–30 <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart… For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus does not only offer water for the thirsty. He offers rest for the weary.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A yoke was used to guide animals as they worked. Jesus uses this picture to invite us into His way of life. His yoke is not crushing. His way is not harsh. He is gentle and humble in heart.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This does not mean following Jesus is always easy. Discipleship can involve challenge, obedience, repentance, and sacrifice. But the way of Jesus is life-giving because He carries it with us.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many people carry heavy yokes: pressure to prove themselves, fear of failure, shame from the past, anxiety about the future, or the need to control everything. Jesus invites us to lay those burdens down and learn from Him.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rest is not only stopping activity. Rest is trusting Jesus with the weight of our lives.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">St Augustine once said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.” That is because we were made for God. Our souls find true rest when they return to Him.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today, ask Jesus what heavy yoke you may be carrying. Then ask Him to teach you His lighter way.<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reflection questions:<ol style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If Jesus offers rest, how do I find it?</li><li aria-level="1" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What burden might Jesus be inviting me to lay down?</li></ol><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 700; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Prayer: <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 18pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus, You are gentle and humble in heart, and You give rest for my soul. Teach me to lay down heavy burdens and walk with You in trust. Amen.

Rest is not only stopping activity. Rest is trusting Jesus with the weight of our lives.

3. Rest for Your Soul

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3. Rest for Your Soul

3. Rest for Your Soul

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