The Best Kind of Rest – July 10, 2026

Listen to Devotion

Read: Matthew 11:25-30

[Jesus said] “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (EHV)

The Best Kind of Rest

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

There is no animal that purposely delays sleep. Whether it is a giraffe needing 2 hours of sleep or a cat needing 20, no animal will go out of its way to not rest. People, however, are quite different. Despite knowing the dangers associated with lack of sleep and rest we humans continue to work too long and rest too little. We stay up watching shows, playing video games, scrolling on a device, or trying to finish one more thing before bed.

The God who made us knows that we need rest. But Jesus came to give us more than a good night’s sleep. He doesn’t give us one more thing to do, another homework assignment, or one more project to finish. Instead, Jesus invites us to himself so that he can give us rest.

Certainly, Jesus gives us an example of rest. Even the Son of God would take time to sleep, to pray, and to spend time in God’s Word.

But the most important rest Jesus gives is for your soul. He gives you rest when he says that your sins are forgiven. You don’t have to carry around the burden of guilt and the wrong things you’ve done. Jesus took the sins off your back, carried them to the cross himself, and took their punishment away. Because of him, you are God’s child and Jesus’ friend—forever!

Jesus gives you rest as he cares for you even now directing all things for your eternal good. Your life does not consist of you having to be smart enough to figure it all out or to outhustle everyone around you. You can be confident that good things await you because God is directing everything for your sake.

Finally, Jesus will give you the greatest rest you will ever know as he is in heaven preparing a place for you to be with him forever. The gentle and humble Savior has promised a place with him forever.

In a world where we so often fail to rest, our Jesus gives us exactly the rest we need.

Prayer:

Father in heaven, our souls are not at rest until they rest in you. Give us the rest Jesus offers to us. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Who does Jesus invite to come to him in these verses?
• What kinds of things can make people feel tired, worried, or burdened?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How does Jesus describe the rest he gives?
• Jesus says he is “gentle and humble.” Why is it comforting to know that Jesus is kind and patient with us?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What are some things kids your age worry about? How can Jesus help you with those worries?
• The devotion says that you don’t have to have all the answers because God is caring for you. When is it hard to trust God instead of worrying?

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