Series: Did Jesus say?
Topic: Did Jesus say, “God helps those who help themselves?”
Scripture: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
This is such an encouraging passage as we are in the midst of trouble and controversy. Take a moment to read this passage aloud from a few different translations. Let Jesus’ comforting words set the tone for your time together.
You may not use a physical yoke in your everyday life. But farmers use them to connect two work animals, usually oxen, allowing them to work together.
What sort of burdens is our world dealing with which competes with the message of Jesus?
Read Jeremiah 6:16 and focus on the phrase “rest for your souls” in both passages. What does that look like? How can we get there?
God cares for our souls. We’ve determined “He is our rest.” What else is He to our souls (Psalm 62: 5-7)?
Farmers would often yoke a younger animal with an older animal. What scriptural directive does that statement bring to mind? How can we live out that directive?
