Burnout and Burden vs The Easy Yoke - Matthew 11:28-30
We are continuing our confidence theme as it relates to burnout. Today’s passage gives us hope and confidence that we don’t have to strive, rush, and be perfect in order to satisfy Jesus. Our hustle-and-hurry culture has many of us worn out, depleted, and spiritually desperate. We can become discouraged that we are not doing enough, serving enough, or worthy enough.
Some of us alleviate the pain and pressure by engaging in unhealthy habits. We drink to take the edge off, eat through our emotions, and take sleeping pills to quiet our brains for a few hours so we can do it all again. This leads to a major deficit in self-confidence and contentment. If you think this is only for secular workaholics…think again. Ministers and pastors experience burnout at an alarming rate.
Focus Passage:
Matthew 11:28-30 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Main Takeaways:
- Jesus is reminding the "second-class" Jews that the burdens of the Mosaic law observed by the Pharisees are not what he desires.
- While the Easy Yoke of Christ isn't void of any responsibility, it is an achievable workload because God shares in carrying the weight.
- We must be willing to go to Jesus when we feel burnout or burden overwhelming us
How to take the EASY yoke:
- Go to Jesus. Sit in his presence and seek to soak in his word.
- Let go of things that are causing burnout or burden.
- Make a habit of rest.
If you are pushing the boundary toward burnout, consider this verse and the promise Jesus gave not to burden us with overwhelming demands. He will show us the gentle rhythms of his ways. We gain confidence when we rest that Jesus can handle our heavy burdens and is faithful to release us from the crucible of the hustle and hurry!
Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
In the hurried rush of our lives, help us remember to come to you when we need rest. When we find ourselves on the edge of burnout, remind us that we must submit ourselves to your yoke, which is easy because you help us carry the load. Forgive us for thinking we can do it all, and help us remember that with you, we can do anything, and without you, we can do nothing.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Resources:
Carson, D.A. "Matthew: The Expositor's Bible Commentary" Volume 8 (Matthew-Luke) (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1984)
Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament, Copyright 2004.
IVP New Testament Commentary Series - Intervarsity Press NT Commentary Matthew
Christian Ministry Burnout Stats -
John Mark Comer
https://johnmarkcomer.com/new
This sin of denying yourself or others rest -
