Hard Hearts, Heavy Hearts and True Rest, Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 11, verses 20 to 30
Bible Reading, Matthew 11:28
20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgement for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgement for the land of Sodom than for you.” 25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:20-30 English Standard Version Anglicised (ESVUK) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
The King’s Mission to Hard and to Heavy Hearts.
Gospel honesty in Jesus’ words. Bad news precedes the good. We need to know why the good news IS good news.
Hard hearts. Matthew 11:20-24
The spiritually comfortable need to be awakened, not merely aware of Jesus, who loves and warns together. These people were near, but far away.
Heavy Hearts. Matthew 11:25-30
Heavy from a sense of sin. Heavy from difficult circumstances too, but sin is the worst. For such, rest is promised. They are the ones who want it. The hard hearted are satisfied with their lives.
Jesus freely gives rest from the guilt of sin, peace of conscience.
The humble-hearted take Jesus’ yoke and learn from him, who is gentle and humble of heart. Satan’s yoke is heavy, very heavy, leading to hell.
“Why would a sinner want to come to God?” WHY NOT! The God of the universe says “I’ll care for YOU.”
Jesus will at times afflict the comfortable, but he will comfort the afflicted.
“Who are called … loved … kept … by Jesus Christ.” Jude 1-2,24-25
