When we read the words “heavyladen” in this famous passage in Matthew, we have to transport ourselves back to the narrow city streets of Jerusalem. In those days, and even now in the old city, the roads were narrowly squeezed in between the buildings. Often, wealthy merchants would come with goods to sell, but their carts were too wide to navigate those streets. So they’d pick a poor peasant to carry their load. The peasant would have to carry it for little or no money.

Jesus spoke to these peasants when he said, “Come unto me, you that are heavy-laden.” “Heavy-laden” refers to a burden way too big for the person carrying it. Imagine a man struggling to walk beneath a gigantic load. Are you carrying around worries, fears, or anxieties that Jesus never intended for you to bear? Jesus says to you, “I want to take those. I want to give you rest.” Perhaps it’s fear of losing your house or your job. Perhaps it’s the salvation of a family member. These are real burdens, real concerns.

And yet Jesus is saying to you and to me. Don’t carry those. I’ll carry those. Instead, surrender your life to me and you’ll discover rest. Real, genuine rest. Peace of mind. Hope. I know, I’m writing this today to some who are “heavy-laden.” Please take Jesus’ offer of rest today.