COME UNTO ME

Title: COME UNTO ME ALL YE WHO ARE HEAVY LADEN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 11:28
Supporting Texts: Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7, Isaiah 40:29-31

INTRODUCTION:
Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28 is one of the most comforting and life-giving calls found in Scripture. It is an open invitation to everyone who is weary, burdened, and overwhelmed by the pressures of life. Jesus is offering rest—not just physical rest, but a deep spiritual rest for our souls. Many carry the burdens of sin, worry, pain, and life's challenges, but Jesus assures us that in Him, there is relief. This sermon seeks to unpack the significance of this invitation and the peace and strength that are found in coming to Jesus.

1. THE CONDITION OF THOSE WHO ARE HEAVY LADEN

a) Burdened by Sin:
The weight of sin is a heavy burden that no one can carry alone. Sin brings guilt, shame, and separation from God. David expressed this in Psalm 38:4, saying, "My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear."

b) Burdened by Life's Pressures:
Many are overwhelmed by the demands of life—family, work, finances, and relationships. These pressures often lead to weariness and stress. Ecclesiastes 1:8 reminds us that life without God is wearisome and exhausting.

c) Burdened by Emotional Pain:
Some carry the pain of broken relationships, past hurts, and disappointments. These emotional burdens weigh heavily on the heart and mind, causing deep sorrow and fatigue.

Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34) had been burdened by her condition for 12 years. She was physically, emotionally, and financially exhausted, but she found relief when she came to Jesus.

2. JESUS’ INVITATION TO FIND REST

a) The Invitation Is for All:
Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden.” This is a universal call. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your burdens are—Jesus is calling everyone to come and find rest in Him.

b) The Rest Jesus Offers:
The rest Jesus offers is not just temporary or physical; it is a deep, soul-level rest. It is the kind of rest that brings peace in the midst of chaos and refreshes the spirit even when the circumstances have not changed. Isaiah 26:3 promises, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

c) Rest from Guilt and Shame:
When we come to Jesus, He forgives our sins and removes the guilt and shame that have weighed us down. Psalm 103:12 assures us that God removes our sins as far as the east is from the west.

Biblical Example: The prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) carried the burden of guilt and shame, but when he came back to his father, he found forgiveness, love, and rest.

3. HOW TO COME TO JESUS

a) Come in Faith:
Coming to Jesus requires faith. We must believe that He is able to relieve us of our burdens and give us the rest we need. Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

b) Come in Humility:
We must acknowledge that we cannot carry our burdens alone and that we need His help. James 4:10 says, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up."

c) Come in Surrender:
Jesus calls us to cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7). This means surrendering our burdens, problems, and worries to Him, trusting that He will handle them.

Biblical Example: Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) came to Jesus in faith and humility, crying out for help. Despite being told to be quiet, he persisted in his faith, and Jesus healed him.

4. THE PROMISE OF RENEWAL AND STRENGTH

a) A New Yoke:
Jesus invites us to take His yoke upon ourselves. A yoke in the Bible was used to harness animals for work, but Jesus’ yoke is easy and His burden is light. He doesn’t promise a life free from work, but He promises that the work will no longer be overwhelming because we will be yoked with Him.

b) Divine Strength for Life’s Journey:
When we come to Jesus, He gives us strength for the journey ahead. Isaiah 40:29-31 promises that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

c) Peace in the Storm:
Jesus gives peace in the midst of life’s storms. In John 16:33, He says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” His peace transcends all understanding and guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).

Biblical Example: The disciples in the boat during the storm (Mark 4:35-41) experienced fear and anxiety, but when Jesus stepped into their situation, He spoke peace to the storm, and they found rest in His presence.

CONCLUSION:
The invitation to come to Jesus is not just for those who do not know Him—it is for all of us, whether we are burdened by sin, overwhelmed by life, or weighed down by emotional pain. Jesus promises to give us rest, but we must come to Him in faith, humility, and surrender. As we lay down our burdens at His feet, He gives us peace, renewal, and the strength to carry on. Don’t delay—come to Jesus now and find rest for your soul.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I thank You for the invitation to come to You and find rest.

2. Father, help me to cast all my burdens upon You, for You care for me.

3. Lord, deliver me from the weight of sin and give me freedom in You.

4. Father, grant me peace in the midst of life’s storms.

5. Lord, renew my strength as I wait on You, and help me not to grow weary.

6. Father, break every yoke of heaviness in my life and give me Your easy yoke.

7. Lord, fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding.

8. Father, help me to walk in humility and surrender my life completely to You.

9. Lord, strengthen my faith to trust You with every burden I carry.

10. Father, as I come to You, grant me rest for my soul and joy in Your presence.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that every heavy burden in your life is lifted in the name of Jesus.

2. The peace of God will fill your heart and mind in every situation you face.

3. You will walk in divine strength and not grow weary, for the Lord is your sustainer.

4. The yoke of sin and guilt is broken over your life, and you are free in Christ.

5. I declare that every storm in your life is stilled by the power of Jesus’ name.

6. You shall experience supernatural rest and refreshing in your spirit.

7. The Lord will renew your strength as you come to Him in humility and faith.

8. I declare that you will not be overwhelmed by life’s pressures, for God is your helper.

9. Every emotional burden you carry is being replaced with joy and peace in the Lord.

10. As you come to Jesus, you will find rest, peace, and purpose in Him.