CONNECT:  Is there an area in your life where you are currently not satisfied? How can knowing Jesus, receiving him, and worshiping him help in this?

WARM-UP  Question  

1. What in our culture do you think is helpful when it comes to rest? What is less helpful culturally?
2. What makes you feel most at rest? Why do you think that this is the case?

READ Matthew 11:25-28

1. What does Jesus mean by saying that these things have been ‘hidden’ from the wise and the learned?
2. Who were some of the ‘wise and learned’ of Jesus’ time who thought they had everything figured out when it came to God? Did that help them to see Jesus more clearly? Why or why not?
3. Why is it such great news that knowing God is not based on how ‘clever’ we are?
4. How can knowledge both lead us to and away from God? Can you think of some famous examples?
5. How extraordinary is the extent of the intimacy that Jesus claims with the Father? How close are they?
6. What causes you particularly to feel weary and burdened? Anything particular of late?
7. Who does Jesus offer rest to? How does it make you feel to know that Jesus has invited you to receive his rest? How does knowing who Jesus is give us confidence that he can fulfil this staggering promise?
8. How have you known Jesus’ rest in your life to be true? Have there been particular times?
9. What aspects of your life right now would you love to be transformed by the rest that Jesus offers?
10. Have you gone to Jesus recently to receive his rest?  If so, what was that like? If not, how might you go to him this coming week?

READ Matthew 11:29-30

1. Is the rest that Jesus offers just a form of inactivity? What is the nature of the rest that Jesus offers?
2. What does Jesus mean by ‘taking up his yoke’? (Think about the original context both agriculturally and also with regard to the Law) How is being yoked to Jesus actually a form of freedom?
3. What have you been learning from Jesus over the last two months?
4. In a weary and worried world, how is Jesus’ promise such great news?
   Who might you share this good news with this week?

APPLY:  Is there an area in your life where you are currently not satisfied? How can knowing Jesus, receiving him, and worshiping him help in this?

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On Your Frontline This Week:  How has your frontline changed? What new Gospel opportunities are there?

For Families: Download some of the family resources to use at home

Listen:          

• AUDIO: “Lord of Heaven and Earth” by Leon Morris
• AUDIO: “The Scandalous Invitation of Jesus” by William Taylor
• AUDIO: “The School of Christ” by Dick Lucas
• AUDIO: Series from 2019 at St Bart’s, “Winter Warmers: Rest”
• AUDIO: “Lord of the Sabbath” by D A Carson
  

Read:

• ARTICLE: “The Power of Deep Rest” by Tim Keller:

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