Matthew 11:20-30

11:20-24 | Woe to you is not a declaration of vengeance but an expression of regret combined with warning and compassion. Jesus spoke these words to three cities that saw His mighty works. Their sin was considered more severe than that of such notoriously wicked cities as Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom because they had greater opportunities for salvation – but rejected each one. Jesus warns us that those who have had more opportunities will be judged more severely than those who have had fewer.

11:28 | One of the most gracious commands in the Bible, Jesus’ invitation to come (literally, “Come now!”) speaks to all who are oppressed by routine, monotony, overwork, responsibility, and tension. Those who are heavy laden endure something that is laid on them from an outside source, causing that we would today call “burnout.” Jesus’ form of rest is not absence of work but rejuvenation and refreshment.

11:29 | In Jesus’ day, taking the yoke of another meant coming under that person’s leadership and walking in that person’s footsteps (Phil. 2:5; 1 Pet. 2:21; 1 John 2:6). When believers take Jesus’ yoke, they place themselves under His dominion (John 8:29). Only then do His followers enjoy the day-by-day release from stress that God intended (1 John 5:3).