Mat 11:28-29, Mar 16:15 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 28. All ye that labour and are heavy laden . He here, perhaps, refers primarily to the Jews, who groaned under the weight of their ceremonial laws, and the traditions of the ciders, . He tells them, that by coming to him, and embracing the new system of religion; they would be freed from these burdensome rites and ceremonies. There can be no doubt, however, that he meant here chiefly to address the poor, lost, ruined sinner; the man burdened with a consciousness of his transgressions, trembling at his danger, and seeking deliverance. For such there is relief. Christ tells them to come to him, to believe in him, and to trust him, and him only, for salvation. Doing this he will give them rest--rest from their sins; from the alarms of conscience; from the terrors of the law; and from the fears of eternal death. (c) "labour"

Matthew 11:28-29

Verse 28. All ye that labour and are heavy laden. He here, perhaps, refers primarily to the Jews, who groaned under the weight of their ceremonial laws, and the traditions of the ciders, Acts 15:10. He tells them, that by coming to him, and embracing the new system of religion; they would be freed from these burdensome rites and ceremonies. There can be no doubt, however, that he meant here chiefly to address the poor, lost, ruined sinner; the man burdened with a consciousness of his transgressions, trembling at his danger, and seeking deliverance. For such there is relief. Christ tells them to come to him, to believe in him, and to trust him, and him only, for salvation. Doing this he will give them rest--rest from their sins; from the alarms of conscience; from the terrors of the law; and from the fears of eternal death.

(c) "labour" Is 55:1-4 Verse 29. Take my yoke. This is a figure taken from the use of oxen; and hence signifying to labour for one, or in the service of any one. The yoke is used in the Bible as an emblem

(1.) of bondage or slavery, Lev 26:13

(2.) Of afflictions or crosses, Lam 3:27.

(3.) Of the punishment of sin, Lam 1:14.

(4.) Of the commandments of God, as in this place.

(5.) Of legal ceremonies, Acts 15:10, Gal 5:1. It refers here to the religion of the Redeemer; and means that they should embrace his system of religion and obey him. All virtue and all religion imply restraint-- the restraint of our bad passions and inclinations--and subjection to laws; and the Saviour here means to say that the restraints and laws of his religion were mild, and gentle, and easy. Let any one compare them with the burdensome and expensive ceremonies of the Jews, Acts 15:10, or with the religious rites of the heathen everywhere, or with the requirements of the Popish system, and he will see how true it is that his yoke is easy. And let his laws and requirements be compared with the laws which sin imposes on its votaries--the laws of fashion, and honour, and sensuality--and he will feel that religion is "freedom," Jn 8:36. "He is a freeman whom the truth maketh free, and all are slaves beside." It is easier to be a Christian than a sinner; and of all the yokes ever imposed on men, that of the Redeemer is the lightest.

For I am meek, etc. Mt 5:5. This was eminently Christ's personal character. But this is not its meaning here. He is giving a reason why they should embrace his religion. That was, that he was not harsh, overbearing, and oppressive, like the Pharisees, but meek, mild, and gentle in his government. His laws were reasonable and tender; and it would be easy to obey him.

(d) "learn of me" Php 2:5-8, 1Pet 2:21 (e) "lowly in heart" Zech 9:9 (f) "ye shall find" Jer 6:16

Mark 16:15

Verse 15. Into all the world. To the Gentiles as well as the Jews. This was contrary to the opinions of the Jews, that the Gentiles should be admitted to the privileges of the Messiah's kingdom, or that the partition wall between them should be broken down. See Acts 22:21,22. It was long before the disciples could be trained to the belief that the gospel was to be preached to all men; and it was only by special revelation, even after this command, that Peter preached to the Gentile centurion, Acts 10:1. Jesus has graciously ordered that the preaching of the gospel shall be stopped by no barriers. Wherever there is man, there it is to be proclaimed. To every sinner he offers life; and all the world is included in the message of mercy, and every child of Adam offered eternal salvation.

Preach. Proclaim: make known: offer. To do this to every creature, is to offer pardon and eternal life to him on the terms of the plan of mercy--through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus.

The Gospel. The good news. The tidings of salvation. The assurance that the Messiah is come, and that sin may be forgiven, and the soul saved.

To every creature. To the whole creation. That is, to every human being. Man has no right to limit this offer to any class of men. God commands his servants to offer the salvation to all men. If they reject it, it is at their peril. God is not to blame if they do not choose to be saved. His mercy is manifest; his grace is boundless in offering life to a creature so guilty as man.

(b) "creature" Rom 10:18, Col 1:23