Matthew 11:28

New King James Version

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

For Encouragement

Jesus is a fascinating figure in human history. Those who hear about Him do not know what to do with Him or what they have heard about Him—to believe or not to believe. The more they hear about Him, the more they marvel. Their curiosity peeks and they yearn to see Him personally and make their evaluation. They have heard enough to almost believe, but they need the final push. It is like standing on the edge of a pool on a day of boiling and dry heat, wanting to dive but fearing what may happen to you until someone nudges you forward. Oh, how refreshing and relieving! Two typical people needed such a push, and they went to Jesus undercover, but Jesus gave them the surprise of their lives.

Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. A Jewish leader of his caliber, he had heard enough to convince him that Jesus was the Messiah. However, he could not publicly break rank with his peers, so he went to Jesus under the cover of night (Jn. 3:1-2). Knowing the yearnings of his heart, Jesus met him at the point of his actual need — salvation. Our compassionate Savior showed Nicodemus the only way to heaven and gave him a complete exposition of the divine agency and process of the new birth (3-15). The Lord bypassed his shenanigans and went straight to His heart’s yearnings. The enlightening lecture nudged him into the kingdom of God. 

A diminutive figure and one of the most hated men in Israel because of his profession—Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, also yearned for the Savior, but the crowd hindered him. So intense was his yearning that he set aside his pride, ran ahead of Jesus and the vast crowd, climbed a sycamore tree, and waited to peek at Jesus. The merciful Savior, who knows everything and everybody by name, stopped under Zacchaeus’ hideout, called out his name, and commanded him to come down and host him in his house (Lk. 19:1-6). With overflowing joy, the hated tax collector received Jesus, the only source of life, and salvation thereby came to his house (9). Again, a little push by the Savior delivered the refreshing stream that wells up to everlasting life (Jn. 4:13-14).

Christmas is the perfect occasion for people like Nicodemus and Zacchaeus. They are hiding all around you. For others who come to church on their own, pretending to be Christians or perching where no one may see them, Jesus sees and knows them. He knows their names, their wearied and burdened hearts and offers rest for their souls (Matt. 11:28). 

So, please do not hold back or disregard them. Give them a nudge and tell them the Savior is born and invite them to come and meet Him with a joyful welcome. They will never remain the same after the Lord touches their hearts.

Pray with Me

Please lead us invite our friends and neighbors to church this Christmas. We bring them to you, Jesus, our Immanuel, that you will save them, as you did for Nicodemus and Zacchaeus. Amen!