One of my favorite verses in the Bible is the one in Matthew that is an invitation to rest for the weary and burdened. This has brought me much comfort in my journey over the past few years. Recently, I discovered a deeper meaning. As you read through the book of John, you will find that Jesus tells us six things that are found in Him. And each of those things infers a promise.
I Am….
I am the bread of life. (John 6:35)
Promise: to be filled…no emptiness.I am the light of the world. (John 8:12)
Promise: he will show us the way.I am the gate. (John 10:9)
Promise: to find pasture…
salvation for life and life to the full.I am the good shepherd. (John 10:11)
Promise: to be protected.I am the way the truth and the life. (John 14:6)
Promise: access to the Father.I am the vine. (John 15:5)
Promise: connection to spiritual nutrition.
As I digested and processed Jesus’ words in John, I realized that when he offers us rest to the weary and burdened, he is offering us Himself. The rest we receive is found in Him and He is, as He says, the bread of life, light of the world, the gate, the good shepherd, the way, the truth, the light, the life and the vine.
When we go to Jesus, we are filled, shown the way, brought to safe pastures, are protected, have access to the Father and are connected for spiritual nutrition. Having access to all those things surely will grant rest for the weary and burdened!
