Finding Rest and Gentleness in Jesus' Invitation
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone, to this beautiful day in the house of the Lord. Whether you're here in person or joining us online, we are grateful for your presence. Today, we delve into the profound invitation of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30, where He says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." This invitation is not just for physical weariness but for soul weariness, a condition many of us experience under the pressures of life and the demands of religious or societal expectations.
In the first century, the Pharisees imposed heavy burdens on the people, constantly reminding them of their shortcomings in keeping the Old Testament laws. This kind of leadership was exhausting and demoralizing. Jesus, however, offers a different kind of leadership—one marked by gentleness and humility. He invites us to take His yoke, which is easy and light, and promises to walk alongside us, sharing our burdens.
One of the best devotional books I've read recently is "Gentle and Lowly" by Dane Ortlund. In it, Ortlund explores the heart of Jesus, emphasizing that Jesus is gentle and lowly at His core. This is a powerful reminder that Jesus, while being authoritative and powerful, is also tender and compassionate. He calmed storms, cleared the temple, and stood up to corrupt leaders, yet He also gathered children in His arms and showed compassion to the marginalized.
Being bold doesn't mean being arrogant. We can be bold in our faith while remaining gentle and respectful. This is especially important when engaging with skeptical or questioning individuals. We should always be prepared to give an answer for our hope, but do so with gentleness and respect. This approach fosters genuine conversations and relationships, as exemplified in the book "Jim and Casper Go to Church," where a pastor and an atheist learn to give each other space and listen.
Gentleness is also crucial when dealing with those caught in sin. Galatians 6:1 instructs us to restore such individuals gently, being mindful of our own vulnerabilities. This gentle approach mirrors the story of the prodigal son, where the father welcomes his wayward son with open arms, restoring him without condemnation.
The ultimate display of Jesus' gentleness was on the cross. He had the authority to call legions of angels to His rescue but chose to endure suffering for our sake. This act of gentleness and humility invites us to experience His heart personally. By taking His yoke, we allow Him to share our burdens, making our load lighter and our journey more peaceful.
Living a life of gentleness means rejecting forceful, harsh, and domineering behaviors. Instead, we should strive to be tender without surrendering our convictions. This is not a sign of weakness but of strength under control. In our daily interactions, whether at work, in traffic, or at home, we should embody this gentleness, reflecting the heart of Jesus.
As we conclude, let's remember that gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It's not something we can achieve on our own but through the power of the Spirit working in us. By staying connected to Jesus, the true vine, we can bear this fruit and live lives that point others to Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus' Invitation to Rest: Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. This rest is not just physical but for the soul, offering relief from the pressures and demands of life. By taking His yoke, we share our burdens with Him, experiencing His gentle and humble heart. This invitation is a call to a way of life where we allow Jesus to carry us through our challenges. [52:12]
2. The Heart of Jesus: At the core of Jesus' being is gentleness and humility. Despite His power and authority, Jesus is tender and compassionate. He calmed storms, stood up to corrupt leaders, and showed compassion to the marginalized. This gentleness is not weakness but strength under control, a model for us to follow in our interactions with others. [54:53]
3. Gentleness in Conversations: When engaging with skeptical or questioning individuals, we should always be prepared to give an answer for our hope, but do so with gentleness and respect. This approach fosters genuine conversations and relationships, allowing us to share our faith without being forceful or domineering. [01:09:44]
4. Restoring with Gentleness: When dealing with those caught in sin, we are called to restore them gently, being mindful of our own vulnerabilities. This gentle approach mirrors the story of the prodigal son, where the father welcomes his wayward son with open arms, restoring him without condemnation. [01:11:23]
5. Living a Life of Gentleness: Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, not something we can achieve on our own. By staying connected to Jesus, the true vine, we can bear this fruit and live lives that reflect His heart. In our daily interactions, whether at work, in traffic, or at home, we should embody this gentleness, showing strength under control. [01:16:45]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[14:52] - Opening Prayer
[36:32] - Upcoming Events and Announcements
[52:12] - Jesus' Invitation to Rest
[54:53] - The Heart of Jesus
[01:09:44] - Gentleness in Conversations
[01:11:23] - Restoring with Gentleness
[01:16:45] - Living a Life of Gentleness
[01:18:52] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 11:28-30
2. Galatians 6:1
3. 1 Peter 3:15
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus promise to those who come to Him in Matthew 11:28-30?
2. How does Galatians 6:1 instruct us to restore someone caught in sin?
3. According to 1 Peter 3:15, how should we respond to those who ask about our hope?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to take Jesus' yoke upon us and learn from Him? How does this relate to experiencing rest for our souls? [50:25]
2. How can the concept of "strength under control" redefine our understanding of gentleness in our daily lives? [40:17]
3. Why is it important to restore someone caught in sin gently, and what might be the consequences of not doing so? [01:11:23]
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest. Reflect on a time when you felt weary and burdened. How did you seek rest, and how can you apply Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 to your current situation? [50:25]
2. Think about a recent conversation where you had to defend your faith. How did you approach it, and how can you incorporate more gentleness and respect in future conversations? [01:09:44]
3. Identify someone in your life who is struggling with sin. How can you approach them with the gentleness described in Galatians 6:1? What specific steps will you take to ensure you are mindful of your own vulnerabilities? [01:11:23]
4. Reflect on your interactions at work, in traffic, or at home. Can you recall a moment when you were forceful or harsh? How can you practice "strength under control" in similar situations moving forward? [45:52]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of being gentle with skeptical individuals. Think of someone who is skeptical about faith. How can you engage them in a conversation that is both bold and gentle? [01:09:44]
6. The story of the prodigal son highlights the father's gentle restoration of his wayward son. How can you embody this kind of gentleness in your relationships, especially with those who have hurt or disappointed you? [01:12:14]
7. Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to stay connected to Jesus, the true vine, and bear this fruit more consistently? [49:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Invitation to Rest
Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. This rest is not just physical but for the soul, offering relief from the pressures and demands of life. By taking His yoke, we share our burdens with Him, experiencing His gentle and humble heart. This invitation is a call to a way of life where we allow Jesus to carry us through our challenges. [52:12]
Jeremiah 31:25 (ESV): "For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish."
Reflection: What specific burdens are you carrying today that you can bring to Jesus? How can you practically take His yoke upon you and find rest for your soul?
Day 2: The Heart of Jesus
At the core of Jesus' being is gentleness and humility. Despite His power and authority, Jesus is tender and compassionate. He calmed storms, stood up to corrupt leaders, and showed compassion to the marginalized. This gentleness is not weakness but strength under control, a model for us to follow in our interactions with others. [54:53]
Isaiah 42:3 (ESV): "A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice."
Reflection: In what ways can you embody the gentleness and humility of Jesus in your interactions today? Think of a specific situation where you can practice this.
Day 3: Gentleness in Conversations
When engaging with skeptical or questioning individuals, we should always be prepared to give an answer for our hope, but do so with gentleness and respect. This approach fosters genuine conversations and relationships, allowing us to share our faith without being forceful or domineering. [01:09:44]
1 Peter 3:15-16 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is skeptical or questioning. How can you engage with them in a way that is gentle and respectful, fostering a genuine conversation?
Day 4: Restoring with Gentleness
When dealing with those caught in sin, we are called to restore them gently, being mindful of our own vulnerabilities. This gentle approach mirrors the story of the prodigal son, where the father welcomes his wayward son with open arms, restoring him without condemnation. [01:11:23]
Galatians 6:1 (ESV): "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs gentle restoration? How can you approach them with a spirit of gentleness and humility, being mindful of your own vulnerabilities?
Day 5: Living a Life of Gentleness
Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, not something we can achieve on our own. By staying connected to Jesus, the true vine, we can bear this fruit and live lives that reflect His heart. In our daily interactions, whether at work, in traffic, or at home, we should embody this gentleness, showing strength under control. [01:16:45]
Colossians 3:12 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience."
Reflection: In what areas of your daily life do you struggle to show gentleness? How can you stay connected to Jesus to bear the fruit of gentleness in these areas?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God is calling us to be gentle people in a society that's gone crazy, in a society that's gone mad, violent, selfish. God is telling us, hey, I want you out there. I want you to model my son Jesus and live out this gentleness. Today, when you're out in the restaurant and mess up your food, a way to apologize for putting out the wrong food or the food's not right, instead of being demanding, forceful, there's a way to be kind and gentle and loving. And then you tip well." [01:15:02]
2. "Now, boldness. Being bold doesn't mean arrogant. Sometimes we think that's a bonus. Don't be arrogant. You can be bold and not be arrogant. And I'm so glad that the Holy Spirit has helped me over the years to be gentle. Always be prepared. Listen. You know, people will question you. People will challenge you about your faith. Don't get defensive. Don't try to shame them. Don't argue them into submission. Right? Talk to them like fellow humans. Talk to them about the reason why you're following Christ. But respect their thoughts. Listen to their questions. Take their questions seriously." [01:09:44]
3. "Life just goes better when you do things gently. John Ortberg, another great author that I love to read, he's got so many great books. He has a great little teaching that he calls, a little message called Try Softer, and he said that we are so programmed to think that we always need to try harder. That's how we're programmed, we're wired that way. So we work more hours, we exert more energy, because we think trying harder is the answer to everything. But based on the gentleness of Jesus, he said sometimes we need to try softer." [01:02:09]
4. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Gentle answer turns away wrath. I mean, how many times, you know, someone responds, or someone gets mad at you, and we respond back with anger? I was talking to a pastor this past week, and I was telling him about what I was preaching on this week, and gentleness, and I used to talk about this first. And he started laughing. He said, man, that was my verse. He said, when I first moved in the house in Roseville, you know, I had a pet dog, and every time I let him back in the backyard, you know, he would always run to the neighbor's dog." [01:05:31]
### Quotes for Members
1. "For my yoke is easy. My burden is light. Jesus addressed this invitation to people who were weary and burdened. By the way, it's not talking about physical weariness. Physical tiredness. This is all about soul weariness. Maybe your spirit is getting beaten down. That's who Jesus is offering this invitation to. And he was speaking to people in this time period. He was speaking to people who were weary from the demands the pressure that was being placed on them by the religious leaders." [52:12]
2. "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. There's that word again, right? Gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. So Paul in Galatians is talking about a situation where someone's been engaged in a very destructive sin. Maybe they're caught stealing or lying. Or maybe they're in a fight. They're in despair. They're doing drugs. And it says here in Galatians chapter 6 that if you're living by the Spirit, you should restore that person gently. Not harshly. Not condemning. Not publicly embarrassing them." [01:11:23]
3. "He gathered them in his arms. He showed tender compassion to a woman with chronic bleeding and an adulterous woman as well. He wept at the death of his dear friend. But the ultimate display of his gentleness was on the cross. He had the authority to call legions. He had the authority to call legions of angels to come to his rescue. He could have just with a word, a word, you know, just take care of business right there on the cross. But he didn't. Because he was gentle and humble and lowly in heart." [55:54]
4. "And all those things would have been valid. But Paul, he didn't say any of that in this verse. In his Holy Spirit guided mind, when we really understand the wonder of what God has done for us in Christ, the first thing that comes to mind is that we should be humble and gentle. That's what Paul said. And I find that so interesting because if that's what Jesus is like, then that's what his followers should be too. That's what he's calling us to be like, to be like him." [01:01:14]
5. "If you're God-controlled, you are allowed the verbal blows that comes at you to just be absorbed because you're gentle in heart. You don't retaliate in anger when someone offends you. If you're other-controlled, here's what you're admitted. What you're admitted. What you're admitted is that you're giving someone else control of the emotions of your life. Have you ever said this? He makes me so mad. Or I can't believe that he did that to me. Here's what happens when you say those things. When you say that, what you're saying is that you have given control of your emotions to someone else. And you have taken that control away from God." [49:11]
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