This week’s Wednesday Word is a summary of Dr. Wellum’s exposition of Matthew 11-12 given on Sunday, April 5, 2009.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”(Matthew 11:28)
This verse that Handel’s Messiah picks up in the short section dealing with the ministry of Christ is a profound statement by Jesus. Last week, we looked at the way in which Jesus placed Himself as the focal point of all human history (11:1-19). Next, Jesus proclaims woe and judgment to cities that did not respond to the good news of the kingdom (11:20-24). Jesus follows these woes by a prayer and a call that shows us that we are not left to ourselves lest we be like these unrepentant cities (11:25-30).
First, we see the initiative of the Father in that he reveals these things to little children (believers) rather than the wise and learned because it is his good pleasure (v. 25-26) Second, we see the initiative of the Son in choosing those to whom these things are revealed (v.27). Third, we see the sovereignty of God balanced with the responsibility of man in Jesus’ call to those who hear (v.28-30). The weary and burdened can be compared to those who are poor in spirit (5:3).
Jesus promise to give rest is deeply rooted in the OT, a context that his original hearers would have readily recognized. Passages like Jer. 6:16, 31:21-27 are examples of this rest theme found in the OT. Also, from the beginning, Gen. presents the idea of God being at rest with his creation. This is picked up in the Sabbath commandment and laws. This idea of rest would not have been lost on Jesus audience, and it puts chapter 12, which deals with Sabbath controversies in greater relief. In chapter 12, Jesus argues from the lesser to the greater to show the religious leaders that he is the Lord of the Sabbath (12:1-14).
Understood in this context, Jesus statement in Matthew 11:28 is profound. If we want salvation; if we want to know real rest, then we must look to Jesus Christ and the cross. This week, let us remember where we find our rest and where those who are perishing about us can find that rest. Pray especially for those weary souls who will hear the good news of His rest this weekend.
This concludes the section on the life and ministry of Christ. In the weeks ahead, we will look the cross of Christ including texts used in this section of Handel’s Messiah.
~TWM