Looking Above Episode 42 - Matthew 11:28-30

02/25/23 • 36 min

This season we're talking about rest. In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn talk about Jesus' invitation to rest which is found in Matthew 11:28-30. We've all heard these verses so often, it's easy to overlook or trivialize them. But today we're going to pick these verses apart, phrase by phrase and see what Jesus is offering, to whom it is being offered, and what we need to do to receive the offer. It would be highly valuable to sit down and talk with a friend or small group about these questions:

We are all included in this offer. Right now, would you say you're more weary from the active work (busyness) of life, or more tired from carrying the mental burden (to-do lists, shoulds, guilt, etc)?
Our first action step is to "come" to Jesus. Have you come to Him? Is your trust in Him? What does it mean to you to trust Him?
Talk about the analogy of a child coming to his mom for comfort when he gets hurt. Do you have this type of relationship with Jesus?
"Let me teach you" Are you willing to learn? Are you tired of doing things your way or the world's way?
Jesus says he is a humble and gentle teacher. Reflect on that. What does that speak to your heart? Why might you be more willing to listen to the teaching of a humble and gentle teacher than that of a demanding or harsh teacher?
Jesus also says the yoke he give us is easy and burden he asks us to carry is light. Consider the "active toiling work" and "exhausting mental burden" that the world give us and contrast them with what Jesus is asking of us. Why do we continually choose the world's yoke and burden over Jesus'?
Do you recognize your desire for rest? Or are you like that new mama, just powering through, not even aware of how soul-tired you are?
What about this whole passage sounds appealing? What feels daunting?
"Take my yoke" We have to put it into action. What is Jesus calling you to? What is your action step?

We are all included in this offer. Right now, would you say you're more weary from the active work (busyness) of life, or more tired from carrying the mental burden (to-do lists, shoulds, guilt, etc)?
Our first action step is to "come" to Jesus. Have you come to Him? Is your trust in Him? What does it mean to you to trust Him?
Talk about the analogy of a child coming to his mom for comfort when he gets hurt. Do you have this type of relationship with Jesus?
"Let me teach you" Are you willing to learn? Are you tired of doing things your way or the world's way?
Jesus says he is a humble and gentle teacher. Reflect on that. What does that speak to your heart? Why might you be more willing to listen to the teaching of a humble and gentle teacher than that of a demanding or harsh teacher?
Jesus also says the yoke he give us is easy and burden he asks us to carry is light. Consider the "active toiling work" and "exhausting mental burden" that the world give us and contrast them with what Jesus is asking of us. Why do we continually choose the world's yoke and burden over Jesus'?
Do you recognize your desire for rest? Or are you like that new mama, just powering through, not even aware of how soul-tired you are?
What about this whole passage sounds appealing? What feels daunting?
"Take my yoke" We have to put it into action. What is Jesus calling you to? What is your action step?

Previous Episode

Looking Above Episode 41 - Sabbath

This season we're talking about rest. In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn talk about the Biblical concept of Sabbath. They'll share a quick overview of what Sabbath is, dive into why it is so hard and why we resist Sabbath, and then talk about what it could be and why it is good for us. By the end of the episode you'll also know why Karen thinks Sabbath is like taking a camping trip. In order to improve in observing Sabbath, it would be highly valuable to sit down and talk with a friend or small group about these questions:

Prior to listening to the podcast, what did you know about Sabbath? Have you ever consistently "Sabbathed"? (yes we are using it as a verb )?
God did not need to rest on the seventh day, but He did. Why? What does that teach us?
What have you learned from society (or your family) about work, busyness and rest?
Does the idea of Sabbath sound enticing or daunting to you?
Read these verses about Sabbath. (Exodus 31:12-17, Mark 2:27, Isaiah 58:13) What do you glean from them?
Karen and Broolyn listed several reasons people don't Sabbath. Which one applies to you (or do you have other reasons)? (They listed: We haven't been taught; we have accepted the lies of society; we haven't experienced true Sabbath; we haven't tried long enough, don't like to acknowledge our limits; we make work/busyness an idol; we don't trust God; We are disobedient; we have outside forces like a work schedule)
Are there any legitimate reasons to not Sabbath, or are they all excuses we give to cover our disobedience?
If you have truly enjoyed the rest and joy of Sabbath, share your experience with the others. If none of you have practiced Sabbath, talk about (anticipate) the joy and peace it could bring to your life if you took one day each week to slow down and enjoy life.
What would you need to do to prepare for Sabbath (like prepping to go camping)?
Prior to your group meeting, look up a study on the science of Sabbath or rest. Come to group prepared to share one way that science backs what God has shared in Scripture.
Sabbath. Set aside a day this week to do only life-giving, filling activities and no work. Come next week ready to share your experience.

Next Episode

Looking Above Episode 43 - Slowing

This season we're talking about rest. In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn talk about the story of Mary and Martha and what it can teach us about slowing down. Many of us find ourselves in this story, and unfortunately many of us relate to Martha. We live our lives at such a breakneck pace, its easy for us to miss time in Jesus' presence. After listening, take time to slow down and sit with a friend or small group and talk about these questions:

Read the story of Mary, Martha and Jesus again together. Luke 10:38-42 How does busyness impact your relationships?
Has there been a time when life felt "slower"?
How did a slower pace affect your relationships?
Brooklyn said that God has been reminding her she isn't here to get things done, she's here to love people. Are you more focused on tasks or people?
Do you allow tasks and busyness to distract you from people and from what God is doing?
Last week we talked about the phrase "come to me" - how does slowing down relate to coming to Jesus?
Karen suggested that the "better" thing that Mary found was rest. Discuss the idea that true rest can only be found in Jesus' presence.
Jesus did not live a hurried life, because He knew that God had things handled. How would this shift in perspective change the way you live?
Karen offered some ways to assess if your life is full or busy. Talk through each of these (discuss each question, as well as the implications of each).
- a. Are people a bother or are they free to interrupt you?
- b. Are there people who have pushed their way into your inner circles with whom you need to set boundaries?
- c. Are there things you're doing that God didn't call you to, that someone else could do, or that don't need to be done?,
- d. Look at your schedule and assess why you're doing each thing.
Do you/your kids need to be involved in so many activities?
How might simplifying your schedule and slowing down make space for rest and God?
Practice the pause. Set an alarm for three or more times a day, and when it goes off, pause from your work and spend time sitting with Jesus.