Consider Jesus: Rest and Hope for the Weary
This article is a summary of a sermon that I gave in Nepal on March 23rd on Hebrews 3-4.
In a world full of chaos, confusion, and suffering, the invitation of Jesus rings out like a healing balm: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). The rest Christ offers is not temporary relief or worldly comfort—it is eternal hope and peace found only through unwavering and humble faith in Him.
The Rebellion in the Wilderness
Numbers 13 and 14 recount a tragic moment in Israel's history. The people stood at the edge of the Promised Land, but instead of trusting God, they chose fear. Despite Caleb and Joshua's faithful encouragement, the people believed the worst. They rebelled, accused God of cruelty, and even suggested returning to slavery in Egypt.
The author of Hebrews uses this rebellion to warn us: Do not fall away from faith in Jesus. God had promised a good land, but His people had to believe in His goodness and delight in His ways. Likewise, we must believe in Christ, even when the path is hard and uncertain.
A Word for the Persecuted
Hebrews was written to believers tempted to return to their former religion due to persecution. These early Christians faced public shame, imprisonment, and the loss of property (Hebrews 10:32-34). Yet they were reminded of a better possession—an abiding one.
To all who suffer for Christ: take heart. You are not alone. You belong to a heavenly calling.
A Heavenly Calling
Hebrews 3:1 calls us to consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession. He is greater than Moses, for while Moses was a faithful servant, Christ is the faithful Son over God's house. And we are His house—"if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope."
Jesus humbled Himself, took on flesh (Hebrews 2:14-17), and became our merciful and faithful high priest. He died for us, destroyed death, and delivers us from slavery to sin. He sympathizes with our weakness and helps us in our temptation (Hebrews 2:18).
Listen to His Voice
Hebrews 3:7-11 warns us not to harden our hearts. The Israelites heard God’s Word but still rebelled. They witnessed miracles but failed to believe. Their disobedience kept them from entering God’s rest.
The Holy Spirit still speaks. He invites us to hear and obey the truth of Scripture. God is not distant. He knows our thoughts, our struggles, and our temptations (Hebrews 4:12-13). And yet He extends mercy.
Draw Near in Humble Worship
We are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus, our great high priest, has passed through the heavens. He understands us. He was tempted like us, yet did not sin. He welcomes all who come in humility.
We do not earn our way to God through rituals or offerings. We come by faith. We confess our sins. We accept His salvation. We praise Him for His grace.
If you are Hindu, Buddhist, or come from any other background—you can be saved by Jesus. You are welcome in His house if you believe in Him. Trust in His gospel. Repent and follow Him.
Do Not Fall Away
Hebrews 3:12-19 urges us to guard against unbelief. Many who left Egypt perished in the wilderness, not for lack of miracles, but for lack of faith. They had God's Word but rejected it. They experienced God’s power but hardened their hearts.
Be careful. Sin is deceitful. Compromise is easy. Worshiping idols may gain you social acceptance, but it leads away from Christ. Hold fast to the truth. Be faithful to Jesus alone.
Consider Him
Hebrews 12:1-3 tells us to run with endurance, looking to Jesus. He endured the cross. He suffered hostility. He did not quit. We must not grow weary or fainthearted.
Jesus does not avoid suffering. He entered into it. He walks with us in it. He is our great high priest who understands our pain. He is unlike any other god.
Receive His Eternal Rest
Hebrews 4:11 calls us to strive to enter God's rest. This is not a call to works, but to faith. We rest not by doing more, but by trusting in Christ. We listen to His Word, worship with His people, and proclaim His name.
Some of you may be called to be pastors. Others may be evangelists. Be open to God's calling. He will guide you through your church and your elders.
A Final Warning and Invitation
The greed of men like King Leopold II, who exploited the Congo for riches, reveals what a heart far from God looks like. He gained wealth, but rejected God’s rest. Comforts in this life cannot satisfy the soul.
Jesus alone gives true rest. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29).
So consider Jesus. Listen to His words. Do not fall away. Come in humble worship. Receive His eternal rest.
