Promises From JesusSample

REST

Jesus made a promise to give us rest. That sounds pretty great, right? After all the late night homework sessions, after-school practices, and Netflix binges, you could probably use some sleep.

But this wasn’t a “here’s a blanket, go take a nap” kind of promise. Instead, Jesus promised rest for our souls. He was talking about rest for the part of us that is exhausted from drama with friends, arguments with our families, and the uncertainty of almost every day of middle school or high school or whatever school. 

Trying to figure out life on our own can wear us out, but Jesus promised to give us rest.

To take Jesus up on this offer, he said we need to do three things:

1. Come to Jesus.

2. Put on his yoke.

3. Learn from him.

That first step is clear. When your heart feels heavy, tell Jesus. Tell him about the hard stuff, the confusing stuff, the messy stuff. He is listening.

But that second step – put on his yoke? What does that even mean? A yoke is a wooden beam attached to the necks of two animals so they can pull a cart. Why would Jesus want us to do that?

You (obviously) won’t actually have a piece of wood on your neck. It's a picture of how you can ask Jesus to guide you and lead you. You ask him to walk you through those things that are hard, confusing, and messy. It means trusting that Jesus knows what you need better than you know yourself.

And as you walk with Jesus, you get to learn from him. You learn as you read his words in the Bible and as you talk to your parents or leaders or other people who are also walking with Jesus.

While a nap can be a good thing (especially on a rainy afternoon), Jesus promised us something even better. Rest for our souls. It starts when we come to Jesus. And it continues each day after that.

REFLECTION

When your heart is tired, where do you turn for help besides Jesus? 

DISCUSSION

How do you think “putting on” Jesus’ yoke could be easier than trying to do things on your own?