The Greatest Invitation Ever Issued
Well-known preacher, C. H. Spurgeon (1834-1892), delivered at least twelve sermons on the same three verses of scripture, but attested that a minister could never preach too often on the passage.
“In its depths are pearls for which we hope to dive,” he said [1].
Another anonymous enthusiast for these verses called them “the greatest invitation that was ever issued.”
What scripture were they referring to? Jesus’ words recorded in Matthew 11:28-30.
Will you go diving with me for the pearls of this passage? What new treasure might God present to us, even in such familiar verses as these?
Each key word and phrase offers insight into the glorious ways Jesus wants to bless us:
Come
To come to Christ is simply to put our trust in him. As our Savior who died for us, he is more than worthy of our trust. As the all-powerful King of kings over everything in the universe, he is more than qualified to warrant our trust.
All who are weary and burdened
A 2017 Gallup Poll revealed eight out of ten Americans feel stress sometimes or frequently every day [2]. But Ann Voskamp, in her book, One Thousand Gifts, suggests that “to choose stress is an act of disbelief”[3]. I see her point.
On the other hand, choosing to trust in Christ—with praise and gratitude for all He is and all He does—results in peace and joy.
Rest
Our souls find rest when we affirm the truths we know about our Lord, including his constant presence to strengthen, help, and guide. “The very act of confidence is repose,” wrote theologian, Alexander Maclaren.
Take my yoke upon you
Like the young ox who is teamed with a trained animal in the wooden harness holding them together, Jesus invites us to companion with him and follow his ways, his example.
Learn from me
He’s anxious for us to enjoy the abundant life He offers, so Christ suggests we learn how He handled life—in close companionship with His Father. And for His part, our Father delights in manifesting His life-enhancing attributes in our lives.[4]
I am humble and gentle
You’ve probably noticed our Savior is not an unreasonable and stern taskmaster, wielding His omnipotent power to bully us into submission. Time and again in the Bible record of His life we see evidence of Jesus’ being kind and understanding, gracious and tenderhearted. He is the same toward us because:
My burden is easy and light
Easy = well-fitting. Just as the farmers of old would shape the wooden yokes to uniquely fit their oxen, the ways of Christ fit us perfectly. After all, He designed us; He knows what’s best for us. And His yoke is lined with love.[5]
Perhaps now you see why someone would call these verses the greatest invitation ever issued. Jesus offers:
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Salvation from the consequences of our sin
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Relief from our burden of cares
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Rest in His all-sufficiency
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Instruction in the ways of abundant living, side by side with the gracious King of the universe
No wonder Spurgeon called such blessings pearls—lustrous pearls that can transform our reality, when we simply come to Jesus.
Which pearl(s) particularly caught your attention today? Share with us in the comment section below! [Open the original post above for comments]
[3] p. 148.
[4] Jeremiah 9:24
[5] Matthew Henry
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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !! If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ?? Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ… https://godsmanforever.com
To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…
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I present posts about God's Word, with a personal focus on how God's grace is received through saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ... Sinners must understand and obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ... See this link for more...
https://godsmanforever.com/2014/10/26/the-truth-about-sin-10262014-by-bruce-reposted-from-7112013/
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