Introduction

The world is dying, and God’s purpose of choosing us is to warn the people in the world. But we cannot save the world if we as God’s people are also dying, physically or spiritually. The sinner’s only hope is the complete reliance upon Him who overcome temptation, trial and death – that is Jesus Christ.

Inspiration says, “Take the word of Christ as your assurance. Has He not invited you to come unto Him? Never allow yourself to talk in a hopeless, discouraged way. If you do, you will lose much. By looking at appearances, and complaining when difficulties and pressure come, you give evidence of a sickly, enfeebled faith. Talk and act as if your faith was invincible. The Lord is rich in resources; He owns the world. Look heavenward in faith. Look to Him who has light and power and efficiency.” Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 146, 147. (1900) {CM 115.2}

Let’s study our SS Lesson prayerfully and with humbleness in our hearts that will enable us to discern His purpose in our lives as we face the challenges in our Christian journey.

Outline of the Study

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Prayer Thought

Believe God's Promise. Those who work for God will meet with discouragement, but the promise is always theirs: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20. God will give a most wonderful experience to those who will say: "I believe Thy promise; I will not fail nor become discouraged." --Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 335, 336. (1900) {CM 115.3}

The precious Saviour will send help just when we need it. The way to heaven is consecrated by His footprints. Every thorn that wounds our feet has wounded His. Every cross that we are called to bear, He has borne before us. The Lord permits conflicts, to prepare the soul for peace. The Great Controversy, p. 633. (1888) {CM 116.1}

Memory Verse

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy

laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28, NKJV).

Sunday: Come to Me

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

An Invitation to everyone

"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light," they will be living epistles, known and read of all men. "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven… A pure education for youth in our schools, undiluted with heathen philosophy, is a positive necessity in literary lines.” {FE 387.3}

An Encouragement to live for

Be strong, and talk hope. Press your way through obstacles. You are in spiritual wedlock with Jesus Christ. The word is your assurance. Approach your Saviour with the full confidence of living faith, joining your hands with His. Go where He leads the way. Whatsoever He says to you, do. He will teach you just as willingly as He will teach someone else.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 462. (1900) {CM 117.3}

An Assurance from Jesus

The Saviour's promise to His disciples is a promise to His church to the end of time. God did not design that His wonderful plan to redeem men should achieve only insignificant results. All who will go to work, trusting not in what they themselves can do, but in what God can do for and through them, will certainly realize the fulfillment of His promise. "Greater works than these shall ye do," He declares; "because I go unto My Father." {DA 667.2}

Proverbs 3:24 (I will lay down in peace, knowing God care, and I will sleep and not be afraid.)

Exodus 33:14 My presence shall go with thee and I will give thee rest.

Consider the following:

According to the immediate context of this verse (Matthew 11:27), we may deduce that Jesus can give us rest because He is God, and He is one with the Father.

We must do two things to come to Jesus. The first one is the easiest: to be tired and laden, and to feel the need for rest.

The second one is to refuse to control our burdens ourselves, and to bring them to Jesus so He can take care of them.

Monday: I Will Give You Rest

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,” Matthew 11:28-29

A Pledge of Eternal Life

“You are safe only as, in perfect submission and obedience, you connect yourselves with Christ. The yoke is easy, for Christ carries the weight. As you lift the burden of the cross, it will become light; and that cross is to you a pledge of eternal life. It is the privilege of each to follow gladly after Christ.” E. G. W. (Sons and Daughters of God, March 15)

A Lifetime Hope in Christ

We are to live only one day at a time. We do not have to do the work of a lifetime in a few hours. We need not look into the future with anxiety; for God has made it possible for us to be overcomers every day. {FLB 249.4}

By the exercise of living faith today, we are to conquer the enemy. We must today seek God, and be determined that we will not rest satisfied without His presence. We should watch and work and pray as though this were the last day that would be granted us. {FLB 249.5}

If you are right with God today, you are ready if Christ should come today. {FLB 249.6}

An Atmosphere of Light and Peace

“Jesus bade His disciples, come apart and rest awhile........ In a life wholly devoted to the good of others, the Savior found it necessary to turn aside from ceaseless activity and contact with human needs, to seek retirement and unbroken communion with His Father........... All who are under the training of God need the quiet hour for communion with their own hearts, with nature and with God............. Amidst the hurrying throng, and the strain of life’s intense activities, he who is thus refreshed, will be surrounded with an atmosphere of light and peace.” Health and Happiness pp .20-21.

Consider the following:

A yoke was usually placed on the shoulders of the animals to ease their work (e.g. plowing).

However, the yoke was a limitation too. The animal was not free but had to do whatever its overseer wanted them to do.

Jesus places HIS yoke on us, so our burdens are easier to carry. On the other hand, we submit to His will by accepting his yoke, and therefore we learn to work the way He wants us to.

We become Christ’s collaborators by taking His yoke. We have a work to do with Him and for Him.

Tuesday: Take My Yoke Upon You

“for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”Matthew 11:29

A Perfect Peace – in Perfect Acquiescence

Those who take Christ at His word, and surrender their souls to His keeping, their lives to His ordering, will find peace and quietude. Nothing of the world can make them sad when Jesus makes them glad by His presence. In perfect acquiescence there is perfect rest. The Lord says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." Isaiah 26:3. Our lives may seem a tangle; but as we commit ourselves to the wise Master Worker, He will bring out the pattern of life and character that will be to His own glory. And that character which expresses the glory--character--of Christ will be received into the Paradise of God. A renovated race shall walk with Him in white, for they are worthy. {DA 331.2}

Revealing the Triumphs of Grace

Those who walk even as Christ walked, who are patient, gentle, kind, meek and lowly in heart, those who yoke up with Christ and lift His burdens, who yearn for souls as He yearned for them--these will enter into the joy of their Lord. They will see with Christ the travail of His soul, and be satisfied. Heaven will triumph, for the vacancies made in heaven by the fall of Satan and his angels will be filled by the redeemed of the Lord. {FLB 114.5}

Paul’s Marvelous Change--2 Corinthians 3:7-18 (Philippians 3:5,6; James 1:23-25)

Sin then appeared in its true hideousness, and his self-esteem was gone. He became humble. He no longer ascribed goodness and merit to himself. He ceased to think more highly of himself than he ought, and he ascribed all the glory to God. He was no longer ambitious for greatness. He ceased to want to avenge himself, and was no longer sensitive to reproach, neglect, or contempt. He no longer sought earthly alliance, station, or honor. He did not pull others down to uplift himself. He became gentle, condescending, meek and lowly of heart, because he had learned his lesson in the school of Christ. He talked of Jesus and His matchless love, and grew more and more into His image. He bent his whole energy to win souls to Christ. When trial came upon him because of his unselfish labor for souls, he bowed in prayer, and his love for them increased. His life was hid with Christ in God, and he loved Jesus with all the ardor of his nature. Every church was dear to him; every church member was a person of interest to him; for he looked upon every soul as the purchase of the blood of Christ (RH July 22, 1890). {6BC 1076.6}

Consider the following:

Paul wrote that Jesus is meek (2 Corinthians 10:1), like Moses (Numbers 12:3). Meekness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Every believer should act meekly (Colossians 3:12; 1 Timothy 6:11; Titus 3:2).

Jesus’ meekness and humbleness did not mean that He could not reply bluntly to His opponents. He acted kindly and did not impose His will by force.

His humbleness was clearly shown when He offered to be crucified (Philippians 2:8). He became our Savior then. He was the only One who could free us from the burden of sin, alleviate our suffering, and give us rest for our souls.

Wednesday: I Am Gentle and Lowly in Heart

“For My yoke is easy”Matt. 11:29

The Yoke of Christ Makes our burden Light

The yoke is placed upon the oxen to aid them in drawing the load, to lighten the burden. So with the yoke of Christ. When our will is swallowed up in the will of God, and we use His gifts to bless others, we shall find life's burden light. He who walks in the way of God's commandments is walking in company with Christ, and in His love the heart is at rest. When Moses prayed, "Show me now Thy way, that I may know Thee," the Lord answered him, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." And through the prophets the message was given, "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." Exodus 33:13, 14; Jeremiah 6:16. And He says, "O that thou hadst hearkened to My commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea." Isaiah 48:18. {DA 331.1}

The Lead to Uprightness

He has set us an example in order that we may know how to walk in conformity with His will. Christ is a true Shepherd. His example, if followed, will lead us aright. How precious was His gentle spirit. He was meek and lowly in heart. No jealousy, no envy, no iniquity was found in Him. He passed over the same ground where Adam fell, thus showing us that it is possible for man to overcome. Those who follow Christ will be obedient; they will not trample on one of God's holy precepts. {5MR 258.1}

Break the Yoke of Man

Break every yoke that human invention has framed, and heed the voice of Christ, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls: for "My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." {ChL 28.2}

Seek God’s Kingdom First and All Things Be Added

He says, "My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." He bids them seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and His promise is that all things needful to them for this life shall be added. Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet. {DA 330.1}

Note:

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Consider the following:

Yokes have been used as an image of slavery or submission.

In this context, we may find yokes that are heavy and enslaving. For example, circumcision (Acts 15:10) or salvation by works (Galatians 5:1).

Unlike those yokes, Jesus’ is easy to carry. His yoke is a symbol of “the law of liberty” (James 2:12). When we understand the purpose God’s commandments, they “are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3).

Jesus holds us when we are covered by His righteousness and walk with Him. He lifts us when we fall and leads us to righteousness.

Thursday: My Burden is Light

“and My burden is light.”Mat 11:30

Personal Contact with Christ

Every burden we are called upon to bear, He Himself has borne. Personal contact with Him brings light and hope and power. Of those who follow Him, He says, "They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." John 10:28. {FLB 249.3}

Manifestation of the Holy Spirit in Active Service

Wake up, brethren and sisters, wake up. Sleep no longer. "Why stand ye here all the day idle?" Jesus calls you, saying, "Go work today in My vineyard." Whoever has received the Holy Spirit, will make it manifest; for all his powers will be employed in the most active service. All who actually receive Christ by faith, work. They feel the burden of souls. God now calls upon everyone who has a knowledge of the truth, who is a depositary of sacred truth, to arise and impart the light of heaven to others.--Review and Herald, Dec. 6, 1893. {ChS 80.11}

Guided by God’s Providences

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." If everyone will come to Jesus in a teachable spirit, with contrition of heart, then he is in a condition of mind to be instructed and to learn of Jesus and obey His orders. . . . {CL 27.4}

We cannot have a weak faith now; we cannot be safe in a listless, indolent, slothful attitude. Every jot of ability is to be used, and sharp, calm, deep thinking is to be done. The wisdom of any human agent is not sufficient for the planning and devising in this time. Spread every plan before God with fasting, [and] with the humbling of the soul before the Lord Jesus, and commit thy ways unto the Lord. The sure promise is, He will direct the paths. He is infinite in resources. The Holy One of Israel, who calls the host of heaven by name, and holds the stars of heaven in position, has you individually in His keeping.... {CL 28.1}

Aching Under the Load of Care

There are many whose hearts are aching under a load of care because they seek to reach the world's standard. They have chosen its service, accepted its perplexities, adopted its customs. Thus their character is marred, and their life made a weariness. In order to gratify ambition and worldly desires, they wound the conscience, and bring upon themselves an additional burden of remorse. The continual worry is wearing out the life forces. Our Lord desires them to lay aside this yoke of bondage. He invites them to accept His yoke; He says, "My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." He bids them seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and His promise is that all things needful to them for this life shall be added. Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet. {DA 330.1}

For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." The Lord Jesus loves His heritage, and if men will not think it their special prerogative to prescribe rules for their fellow laborers, but will bring Christ's rules into their life and copy His lessons, then each will be an example, and not a judge.--Manuscript 44, 1894. {Ev 117.3}

Contrary to Human Planning

Unless those who can help in _____ are aroused to a sense of their duty, they will not recognize the work of God when the loud cry of the third angel shall be heard. When light goes forth to lighten the earth, instead of coming up to the help of the Lord, they will want to bind about His work to meet their narrow ideas. Let me tell you that the Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning. There will be those among us who will always want to control the work of God, to dictate even what movements shall be made when the work goes forward under the direction of the angel who joins the third angel in the message to be given to the world. God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness.--Testimonies to Ministers, p. 300. (1885) {Ev 118.1}

Exercise Faith by Taking God’s Will into our Lives

“My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” We do not see ourselves as God sees us; therefore we do not see the necessity of repentance, of humility, and of continual reliance upon him. There are efforts made in our own strength, but there is not a dying to self; the soul is not surrendered to God. Many are making a mistake here. They are hoping to overcome through their own efforts, and by their goodness gain the assurance of the love of God. They do not exercise faith; they do not believe that Jesus accepts their repentance and contrition, and so they toil on day after day without finding rest or peace. When the heart is fully surrendered to God, love springs up in the soul, and the yoke of Christ is easy, and his burden light. The will is swallowed up in God's will, and that which was a cross, becomes a pleasure. {GW92 440.2}

Be Hopeful and Courageous

The faithful discharge of today's duties is the best preparation for tomorrow's trials. Do not gather together all tomorrow's liabilities and cares and add them to the burden of today. "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." Matthew 6:34. {HDL 21.3}

Let us be hopeful and courageous. Despondency in God's service is sinful and unreasonable. He knows our every necessity. To the omnipotence of the King of kings our covenant-keeping God unites the gentleness and care of the tender shepherd. His power is absolute, and it is the pledge of the sure fulfillment of His promises to all who trust in Him. He has means for the removal of every difficulty, that those who serve Him and respect the means He employs may be sustained. His love is as far above all other love as the heavens are above the earth. He watches over His children with a love that is measureless and everlasting. {HDL 21.4}

Consider the following:

Yokes were usually worn by two animals, so the individual effort was reduced. If one of the animals was weak, the other could help with its strength.

Jesus is the strong part, and we can trust Him. He makes the burden light for us.

Jesus is our example. Jethro taught Moses to share the burden with others (Exodus 18:13-22), and we should also help others: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

Bearing other’s burdens means to restore those who fall, to help one another in tough times, to support one another... Sharing our burdens is something God commanded us to do as a Church. It requires meekness and produces compassion.

Friday: Meditation

When you find your work hard, when you complain of difficulties and trials, when you say that you have no strength to withstand temptation, that you cannot overcome impatience, and that the Christian life is uphill work, be sure that you are not bearing the yoke of Christ; you are bearing the yoke of another master. {CG 267.3}

God is so great that I seem very small and unimportant in comparison. Yet Jesus loved me and lowered Himself to become like me.

Questions to Ponder!

1. Are there any circumstances in your life that you think your walk with Christ is lacking? Do you really surrender everything to Him?

2. Have you encountered an instance in your life that you cannot bear anymore? What is it? and What did you do?

3. What do you think should be done to promote humility, meekness and lowly in heart in our family, friends, church, city, and nation?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“Wearing the yoke with Christ, means to work in His lines, to be a copartner with Him in His sufferings and toils for lost humanity. It means to be a wise instructor of souls. We shall be what we are willing to be made by Christ in these precious hours of probation. We shall be the sort of a vessel that we allow ourselves to be molded into. We must unite with God in the molding and fashioning work, having our wills submitted to the divine will.” E. G. W. (SDA Bible Commentary, book 5, on Matthew 12:29, p. 1092)

Reflecting the Divine Image.--The church needs men of a meek and quiet spirit, who are long-suffering and patient. Let them learn these attributes in dealing with their families. Let parents think a great deal more of their children's eternal interests than they do of their present comfort. Let them look upon their children as younger members of the Lord's family, and train and discipline them in such a way as will lead them to reflect the divine image. {CG 267.4}

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