Worn out and burdened? Jesus invites you to rest

Has there ever been a time when Christian leaders have needed to rest in God more? Rev Chris Jervis offers this encouragement from Jesus to lay down their heavy burdens

At a recent gathering of Christian friends, including several church pastors and leaders, there was a notable air of weariness: weariness in themselves and their fellowships. Added to the continued fallout from the global pandemic, the cost of living crisis and conflict around the world, there is widespread disquiet around abuse scandals and issues of human sexuality - with the obvious questions this throws up about biblical authority.

These observations surfaced at a time when I was studying, writing and preaching on Matthew 11:28-30: “Jesus said; ‘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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’”