J.C. Ryle

“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” —Matthew 11:28.

THERE are few texts more striking than this in all the Bible—few that contain so wide and sweeping an invitation—few that hold out so full and comfortable a promise.

Let us consider—

Who speaks?

That is a most important question, and it is right to have it answered.

You live in a world of promise.

“Come with us,” says one party, and you will be rich. “Come with us,” says another, and you will be happy.

The devil can promise. “Eat the forbidden fruit,” he said to Eve, “and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. You shall never die.” But he lied to her.

The world can promise. “Sell all and embark for California,” says one man, “and you will soon roll in wealth.” “Invest all your money in railways,” says another, “and you will soon make your fortune.” I never take up a newspaper without seeing many alluring invitations. I see page after page of advertisements, all full of high-sounding promises. I read of short ways to health, wealth, and happiness, of all descriptions. But it is all words and nothing more, and so many a man finds.

But He that promises in our text is One who can be depended on. It is the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s own Son.

He is ABLE to do what He promises. He has all power in heaven and on earth. He has the keys of death and hell. The government is given to Him in time, and all judgment committed to Him in eternity.

He is FAITHFUL to do what He promises. He will not lie, nor deceive, nor break His promise. What He speaks that He will do, and what He undertakes that He will perform. Heaven and earth may pass away, but His word shall not pass away.

He is WILLING to do what He promises. He has long since proved this by the love He has shown to man, and the sacrifice He has made for man’s soul.

For man He came into the world; for man He suffered and died; for man He endured the cross and the shame. Surely He has a right to be believed.

Beloved brethren, see that you refuse not Him that speaketh to you this day. If a letter came to you from the ruler of this country you would not despise it. If you were sick, and advice came from a wise physician, you would not reject it. If you were in danger, and counsel came from your best and truest friend, you would not make light of it. Then hear the words that Jesus sends to you this day. Listen to the King of kings. Then body and soul shall be His.

Who are they that are spoken to?

Jesus addresses the “labouring and heavy laden”; “Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden.” Now, whom does this mean?

You must not fancy it describes the poor in this world. That would be a great mistake. It is possible to be poor in time and even poorer in eternity.

Nor yet must you fancy it describes the sick and the afflicted. That also is a great mistake. It is very possible to have trouble in this life and trouble in that to come—and this some of you may find.

The “labouring and heavy laden” describes all who are pressed down and burdened by a feeling of sin.

It describes all whose consciences are set at work, and who are brought to concern about their soul—all who are anxious about salvation, and desire to have it—all who tremble at the thought of judgment, and know not how to get through it, and of hell, and are afraid of falling into it; and long for heaven, and dread not getting to it; and are distressed at the thought of their own badness, and want deliverance.

All such persons appear to be the labouring and heavy laden to whom Jesus speaks.

This was the state of mind in which the Jews were to whom Peter preached on the day of Pentecost. Their consciences were awakened; they felt convinced and condemned; and when he had finished, we are told they said, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

This was the state of mind in which Saul was when Jesus met him going to Damascus, and smote him to the ground. A light seemed to break in on his mind. He got a sight of his one enormous sin and danger; and we read that, trembling and astonished, he said, “ Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?”

This was the state of mind in which we see the jailer at Philippi. He was roused from sleep by an earthquake. His fear brought his sin to his remembrance, and he came and fell down before Paul and Silas, and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

This is the state of mind I desire to see in each of you, for the beginning of all saving religion. You will never come to Christ till you feel your need.

You ought, every one, to feel labouring and heavy laden. Truly it is a marvellous proof of man’s corruption, that men can be so careless as they are.

Many, I do believe, feel something of it, but never allow it. There are many aching hearts under silk and satin; There are many merry faces which only hide an uneasy conscience. All is not gold that glitters-or happiness that seems like it. Few, I believe, are to be found who do not feel something of it some time in their lives. Halyburton said, not a soul in his parish, but once had conviction.

But to all labouring and heavy laden souls, whoever they may be, to you Jesus speaks—to you is this word of salvation sent. Take heed that it is not in vain.

Jesus speaks to ALL such: none are left out. Though you have been a persecutor like Saul, though a murderer like Manasseh, though a cheating extortioner like Zacchæus, though unclean and profligate like the Magdalen, it matters nothing. Are you labouring and heavy-laden?—then Jesus speaks to you. You may tell me, “I am such a sinner, Jesus never speaks to me.” I answer, “It may be so; but are you labouring and heavy-laden?—then Jesus speaks to you.” You may say, “I am not fit.” I see nothing said of fitness; I only see Jesus calling the labouring and heavy laden: if this is your case, He calls you. You may say, “I am not this-I am not converted.” You do not know, perhaps; but are you labouring and heavy laden?—then Jesus is speaking to you.

Ah! brethren, I fear many of you know nothing of the state of the soul here spoken of. Your sins never cut you to the heart, or give you a moment’s sorrow. You never really felt the confession of the Church this day—“no health in us.” You know nothing of communion with Christ. The remembrance of grievous burdens is not intolerable. You are satisfied with your present state: like Laodicea, “rich and increased with goods,” comfortable and content. And what shall I say? I will say plainly, there is no hope for your soul while in such a state. I say if your soul is in such a state, better never have been born. Your hard heart must be broken. You must be brought to see your own guilt and danger, your eyes must be opened to understand your sinfulness. All who have entered heaven were once labouring and heavy laden; and except you are, you will never get there.