Jesus's Way is Actually Easy - We Make it Hard
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for 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
The way of Jesus is easy. We're the ones who make it hard. The way of Jesus is restful. We're the ones who add heavy burdens of unrealistic expectations. The way of Jesus is gentle. We're the ones who add harsh demands and weights nobody could ever bear.
If this passage doesn't seem to match the message you've picked up on in your life, then you, or someone else, has probably expected way more of you than what Jesus expects. It's also probably the case that you take yourself way too seriously. Live lightly. Pick grain on the Sabbath just because you can. Throw off the yoke of legalism, which is not good news.
Here's my sermon manuscript on this passage. Download it and share it with a friend.