Sermon Title: From Chaos to Calm: Embracing the light yoke of Christ.
Passage: Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

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Sermon Title: From Chaos to Calm: Embracing the light yoke of Christ.
Passage: Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

1. The Invitation: Come to me
2. The Predicament: All Who are Weary and Burdened
   Jeremiah 8:21
3. The Outcome:  I Will Give You Rest
   Hebrews 4:6
4. The Exchange: Take My Yoke Upon You and Learn of Me
   John 14:26
5. The Character: For I am Gentle and Humble in Heart
   1. Jonathan Edwards:  “There is no love so great and so wonderful as that which is in the heart of Christ.  He is one that delights in mercy; he is ready to pity those that are in suffering and sorrowful circumstances, one that delights in the happiness of his creatures.  The love and grace that Christ has manifested does as much exceed all that which is in this world as the sun is brighter than a candle.  Parents are often full of kindness towards their children, but that is no kindness like Jesus Christ’s.”
6. The Promise: You Will Find Rest for Your Souls.  For My Yoke is Easy and My Burden is Light.

 

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What does Jesus’ invitation to “come to me” mean to you personally? 
2. How have you responded to this invitation in your daily life?
   Isaiah 55:1-3
   John 6:35 
3. What are some common burdens or sources of weariness in our culture today? 
4. How does Jesus’ invitation address those specific struggles?
   Psalm 55:22
   1 Peter 5:7
5. What does it mean to take on Jesus’ yoke? 
6. How is this exchange of our yoke for Jesus’ yoke both an act of surrender and empowerment?
   Galatians 5:1
   Jeremiah 6:16
7. How do Jesus’ gentleness and humility shape our understanding of God’s character?
8. How can we reflect this in our relationships?
9. What does “rest for your soul” look like in your life? 
10. What practical steps can you take to fully receive this rest?
    Psalm 62:1
    Hebrews 4:9-11
11. How does Jesus’ “easy” yoke contrast with the burdens we often carry? 
12. What does this reveal about trusting God’s way over our own?
    Proverbs 3:5-6
    Micah 6:8
13. What burdens are you currently carrying that Jesus is asking you to release to Him?
    Matthew 6:25-27
    Isaiah 41:10
14. What practices or rhythms help you live lightly under Christ’s yoke?
    Colossians 3:15-17
    John 15:4-5

 

PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. What areas of your life have you struggled to fully surrender to Jesus? 
2. How can you invite Him to carry these burdens and trust His guidance?
3. When was the last time you truly felt the rest Jesus promises? 
4. What habits or distractions might be preventing you from fully experiencing His peace?
5. In what ways do your actions reflect Jesus’ gentleness and humility? 
6. How can you intentionally grow in reflecting His character to those around you?
7. Are there changes you could make to better align your life with His light yoke?

 

SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON:

• Psalm 62:1
• Hebrews 4:9-10
• John 15:4-5

RESOURCES:

• ARTICLE | The Futility of Control and Your Reason To Rest | Paul Tripp
• BOOK | Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus Through the Spiritual Disciplines | David Mathis
• BOOK | Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers | Dane Ortlund
• PODCAST | Rest in Sovereignty | Paul Tripp

 

MONTHLY SPIRITUAL PRACTICE TO TRY: SIMPLICITY

Humans are hardwired to be in relationships. The interesting thing is, ​that we can have relationships with people, animals, things, ourselves​, and/or God. How you see yourself and what you believe and feel about God oftentimes drives how you relate to things, others, yourself, and Him. The image we have of ourselves, and our early life experiences, often form the desires and attachments to fill our life with things or experiences.

The discipline of simplicity digs into some of the deeper sociological and psychological wiring for each of us. In the discipline of Simplicity​, we are exchanging unhealthy attachment​s to things (schedules, items, escape mechanisms), and people to provide healthy attachment​s to God himself. When we decide to address the clutter of our lives and allow God to declutter our hearts, emotions​, and tangible lives, we will be met with resistance. We have an enemy that wants to keep our lives filled with good and bad “things” to keep us distracted from God’s best.

Simplicity Practice for the week:

Step 1: Prepare in Prayer

• Find a quiet space to sit with God.

• Begin with a simple prayer:
  “Lord Jesus, I come to You weary and burdened. Teach me to take on Your yoke of rest and simplicity. Reveal the areas of my life where I need to let go and trust You more.”

Step 2: Reflect on Your Burdens

• Read Matthew 11:28-30 slowly.
  Reflect on these questions in a journal:

• What specific burdens or areas of chaos am I carrying right now?

• What would it look like for me to hand these over to Jesus?

• Where is God inviting me to embrace simplicity (time, commitments, possessions)? Identify one activity or commitment that drains you and prayerfully consider stepping back from it. Ask:
  “Does this bring me closer to Christ’s peace?”

Step 3: Practice Rest and Simplicity

Set aside 15-30 minutes daily to embrace silence and stillness.
Pray: “Jesus, I come to You. I rest in Your presence.” Avoid overcomplicating this time. Use it to focus on Jesus’ gentle invitation and allow your soul to be refreshed.

 

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:

Our western culture sets an expectation from the time we are young to stay busy, to battle and achieve, never be content. This is exhausting to the human soul. Exhausted souls crave rest, but too often, we look for it in the wrong places. We try to escape chaos with more productivity, entertainment, or numbing distractions. This leads us into the chains and bondage of “busy”, missing God’s call to rest in Him. Jesus’ invitation to unburden ourselves and take his “yoke”, is truly an invitation. He invites us into a life of different priorities, and patterns. He does not eliminate the struggles, but offers an exchange of deeper experience. Moving us from exhaustion to rest, bondage to freedom, and a war torn soul to one of peace and compassion. His rest is not found in striving or controlling, working harder to achieve more, but in surrendering to His gentle and humble leadership. Reshaping our priorities and relationships.

Jesus understands your weariness and exhaustion. The burdens you carry, whether they’re physical, emotional, or spiritual, Jesus is ready to take them.

Rob Hans | Spiritual Formation and Connections Pastor