Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 11:28-30 (Come to Me All Who Are Weary)

Lutheran Lens Reading of Matthew 11:28-30 (Come to Me All Who Are Weary)

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read this passage in Matthew 11:28-30 as a profound proclamation of the Gospel. Here, Christ offers rest to the weary and burdened, which we understand as the sinner overwhelmed by the weight of the Law and sin. Jesus' invitation is pure Gospel, a promise of grace and rest found in Him alone, apart from any human effort. This rest is not merely physical relief but the deep spiritual rest that comes from justification by faith alone, as Christ Himself carries our burdens and fulfills the Law on our behalf.

Key Language Decisions

In the Greek text, the term 'weary' (κοπιῶντες) suggests laboring to the point of exhaustion, while 'burdened' (πεφορτισμένοι) indicates being overloaded. These terms strongly resonate with our understanding of the Law as that which reveals our inability and burdens us with its demands. The 'rest' (ἀνάπαυσιν) offered by Christ is not just a cessation of labor but a profound spiritual relief that aligns with the Gospel's promise of peace and reconciliation with God.

Where Traditions Diverge

Unlike Reformed traditions, which might emphasize perseverance and sanctification in response to this passage, we focus on the unconditional promise of rest in Christ as Gospel. This differs from traditions like Methodism, which may interpret the invitation as a call to ongoing spiritual transformation. For us, the rest Jesus offers is a present reality grounded in justification, not contingent upon our sanctification progress.

Pastoral Application

In preaching this passage, we must emphasize that Jesus' invitation is pure Gospel, offering rest and peace through His completed work on the cross. Congregants should hear that this rest is given freely, without conditions, as a gift of grace accessible through faith alone. This message should reassure the weary and burdened that Christ's yoke is easy and His burden light, as He has fulfilled the demands of the Law for us. Our baptismal identity assures us of this rest, as we live as simul justus et peccator, resting in Christ's righteousness while acknowledging our ongoing struggle with sin.

Cross-References: Isaiah 40:29-31; Psalm 55:22; Hebrews 4:9-10; 1 Peter 5:7; Galatians 5:1

Doctrinal Connections: justification by faith alone; simul justus et peccator; theology of the cross; means of grace; baptismal identity