Chapter 11

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]."

Most Christians in this modern age fall into two extremes. One, where they have no lines between God's word and the world, allowing themselves to be overrun by secular values. Two, where they hyper focus on works and regulations that it becomes ritualistic. This verse talks about the latter. During Jesus' time, you had the Pharisees, who would have a strong emphasis on their set standards (rules & legalities of religion) that many felt drained by. Funny thing is, most of them could not keep the talked-about rules and rituals themselves. This emphasis on ritualistic measures leads to the scenario that Jesus talks about when telling the parable of the stranger, one who was attacked by bandits. Many of those you expected to help walked by on the other side because if they touched the man, they would be "decommissioned" for a week or so, in the name of touching those who were unclean. You can see how such strenuous regulations would lead some out of the body, and those who are out, even further. Jesus comes and calls those who have been burdened by such empty ritualistic practices to Him

The Pharisees had great emphasis on ritualistic rules and regulations, but completely disregarded a relationship with Jesus. That is why Jesus calls us to Himself. Jesus sees the empty works being done, rituals that provide no peace but burden, because they do not drive towards a relationship with Jesus.  A warning was given on such acts. Jesus says in Matthew 7:22-23 22"Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’
23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!". Without a relationship with Jesus, all that we are doing falls under the empty rituals box.  Christianity is not just about rules and regulations. In fact, it is not a religion, IT IS A WAY OF LIFE that Jesus calls us to live with Him through Him and by Him. Such a privilege we have been given, we, the undeserving. 

Our prayer today is that Jesus help us to build a relationship with you. We come to you Jesus, surrendering our prejudices on religion and our knowledge of whatever we think we know to you.  We receive the rest you give us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

" Jesus, we surrender all that we think we know and come into Your Presence. We receive your rest."