Series: A SEASON OF RENEWAL: God's Rhythms of

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Series: A SEASON OF RENEWAL: God’s Rhythms of refreshment Rest – Jesus’ Invitation Matthew 11:28–30 Canon City EFC

6-4-17

MAIN IDEA: Only Jesus offers lasting renewal and refreshment. SUPPORTING IDEAS: Jesus offers a deeper form of rest More than lack of activity A time for taking a break: daily, weekly, special occasions – a part of God’s design Here Jesus is offering rest that sustains life, day in & day out: He speaks of a “yoke” which is a mechanism of work His rest comes in carrying His burden, His yoke – living daily life An invitation to be accepted – 3 words COME, 28 relationship with Jesus True rest is experienced in coming to Him, being near Him, being with Him Anything that distances us from Jesus is counterfeit: drains / exhaust, does not refresh True rest comes in being with Jesus ACCEPT, 29 surrender to Jesus He offers a life perfectly designed for each of us: His yoke, His burden This is trading our version of life for the real life only He can give “burden” & “yoke” are gifts - because of it, you can do and be what you meant to do/be True rest is experienced in submitting to Him LEARN, 29 confidence in Jesus Learning the life He intends, doesn’t come in an instant – it’s learned & there’s no better teacher than the Giver of Life – your life Apprenticing under Jesus Why learn from Him? Because of Who He is, “I am gentle and humble in heart”, v.29 True rest comes in learning life from Him Coming to Jesus, submitting to Jesus, learning from Jesus Renewal & refreshment, each day, all day, every day CONCLUSION / APPLICATION Jesus speaks of being weary and burdened. What takes you there? What sort of things does our society offer as a source of renewal? Which are beneficial? Which are not? What do you tend to do to find refreshment? What sort of rest is Jesus offering in this passage? How can accepting a “yoke” & “burden” bring rest? What is it we are to learn from Jesus? Why should we trust Him?