11-06-22 Come to Me and I Will Give You Rest

ICEBREAKER
Have you ever hurt yourself carrying or lifting something heavy? Tell us about it.

This is the first week discussing a new teaching series from Pastor Jim called "Come to Me." Over the courses of three weeks, we'll be discussing three invitations from Jesus to come to him. This week we're discussing his invitation to "come to me and I will give you rest."

REVIEW & DISCUSS

1. Read Matthew 11:25-30.
   1. ​Can you recall from Pastor Jim's message who the "wise and learned" are and why Jesus refers to them this way? Who are the "little children"?
      
   2. What does Jesus say about himself immediately following these references?
   3. What is the contrast he is making here between himself and the "wise and learned"?
      
   4. What is a "yoke" and what kind of people usually use them?
2. Read Matthew 23:1-4 and 1 John 5:3-4. Now read Matthew 5:17-20 and notice the contrast.
   1. What is the load or burden to which Jesus is referring?
   2. How was the "yoke" of the teachers of the law heavy?
   3. How is Jesus' "yoke" easier? Is it less demanding?
   4. How does Jesus help carry this load?
3. What does Jesus mean when he says, "I will give you rest."

TAKEAWAY

1. When have you felt the heaviness of your burdens?
   
2. How has "religion" made your burdens heavier?
   
3. Have you ever experienced the kind of rest that Jesus provides?​

PRAYER
First, take some time to ask people to identify prayer needs related to the discussion about feeling used by others. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in prayer.