WHEN RELIGION LOSES HEART
Matthew 11:25-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened….”
We have heard that heartening invitation of Jesus quoted many times. Many think that Jesus’s invitation is directed to those who are burdened down by the common, everyday difficulties that life is unable to avoid. And, most certainly, Jesus’ compassion is extended to all people facing daily struggles and problems (John 16:33). However, the heavy burdens in Matthew 11 are religious burdens. 
Jesus addresses people who were exhausted, burned out, and weighed down by the heavy, legalistic and unrelenting expectations of the religious leaders of His day. When “religion” becomes only a system of rules rather than a relationship, it crushes the spirit. Jesus came not to place on us more burdens based on our performance, but to lift our burdens by offering us an intimate relationship with Him—where we find soul-level rest at His side.
Come join us Sunday as we look more deeply into the invitation of Jesus to come to Him for rest.
