Matthew 11:28-30
Devotion by Tina Miller, sermon by Rich Lanning
April 6, 2025
Gather
- A large backpack filled with items that make it weigh more than your children can carry
- A picture of two oxen yoked together
Introduction
Give the children a chance to try carrying the packback and to see what they can do while wearing it. Can they ride their bike? Swing on a swingset? Climb the bunkbed ladder? Roller skate? Play soccer? Could they sleep comfortably?
Does the burden make them free?
Background
When Jesus was on the earth, he taught the people and his disciples with word pictures from their everyday experience. Farming was an illustration he sometimes used.
Ask: Did farmers use tractors in Bible times? [show the illustration of the oxen]
They used oxen to plow and to pull heavy loads. In our passage today, Jesus uses this idea to show us what a life of following him is like.
Pray
Heavenly Father, you have given us the words of life. Use them today to teach us your ways. Give us understanding and help us to be doers and not just hearers of what you have said.
Looking into the scripture passage
Read: Matthew 11:28
Ask: Would it be easier to carry this backpack if you and I did it together? [give it a try!]
This is what Jesus is offering to do for us. In fact, he has taken our burden on himself.
What burden do you think that is? Allow for children’s answers, then confirm that our burden is sin by reading Psalm 38:4.
Ask: What did Jesus say we should do if we are burdened down by sin? Did he say we should just try harder to be good enough for Him?
No. He said we should come to him.
What did he say he would give us when we come to him?
Rest for our souls means that we do not have to work to save ourselves from our sin. In fact, we can’t ever do that, so Jesus did it for us.
Read: 1 Peter 2:24 and Ephesians 2:8-9
We receive this rest when we come to Jesus to save us from our sins, trusting in his death as the payment for us. Isn’t this good news!
BUT THERE IS MORE!
Read: Matthew 11:29-30
Ask: After promising us rest, what did Jesus say we are to do?
We are to get in the yoke with him! How cool is that! We get to work with Jesus!
What kind of yoke is this? It’s a light one because he is gentle and lowly in heart.
What do you think that means? How is Jesus gentle?
He understands us because he went through the same troubles we experience, so we can come to him for help. (Hebrews. 4:15)
How is he lowly? He left his position in heaven and came down to serve, to seek and save the lost, even to the point of giving up his life.
Apply the passage
Activity How do you think we carry this “yoke” with him?
We do it by obeying him, by loving him and loving others. 1 John 5:3 says that Jesus’ commands are not burdensome.
Do you feel more free when you love Jesus and others or when you are selfish and angry? Which is more restful for your heart?
Act out some scenarios to illustrate the above.
Discuss specific ways to love Jesus and others this week.
Memorize
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Practice the verse
Pair up to practice saying the verse to each other until you have learned it. Being “yoked together” makes the memory easier!
Extra Stuff
Dig Deeper (for older kids and parents)
How do these passages show the gentleness and lowliness of Jesus?
Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 6:36-42 Ephesians 4:28
What do see in these verses that Jesus gives us rest from:
Romans 8:1 John 14:1-6 John 16:33 Philippians 4:8-9
Songs to sing
“Jesus Strong and Kind” (CityAlight)
A video to watch:
The Pilgrim’s Progress (2019) with John Rhys-Davies, Ben Price, and Kristyn Getty
