Matthew 11:28-29
11:28 a The heavy burdens were likely caused by the legal requirements of the teachers of religious law and Pharisees (see 23:4 b).• rest: Spiritual refreshment in either a present or a future sense (cp. 1:21 c; Heb 4:8-11 d).
Summary for Matt 11:29-30: 11:29-30 e A yoke, which forms a harness between two animals, is a metaphor for the demands of discipleship. In contrast to the “yoke” of the religious leaders, Jesus’ yoke is easy and light, not because it is less demanding (see 7:13-14 f), but because the power of the Messiah (by the Holy Spirit) makes it possible (see Acts 15:10 g; 1 Jn 5:3 h). The religious demands of Israel’s spiritual leaders (Matt 23:4 i; Acts 15:10 j) included 613 Old Testament commands and their expansion through tradition. Jesus urged those who were suffering from the burdens of the Pharisees’ stipulations to come to him (Matt 11:28 k) in order to find the salvation their hearts desired. It is a call to salvation involving a life of obedience to Jesus’ new teachings. People are invited to enter a relationship with a humble and gentle teacher.
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