“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Introduction: The Desire for Rest
In Numbers 32, we encounter the story of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who sought to settle east of the Jordan rather than crossing into the Promised Land with the rest of Israel. They had large herds of livestock and saw that the land of Jazer and Gilead was ideal for their flocks. Their request to Moses reflected a desire for a settled life, one where they could rest from the hardships of wilderness wandering.
At first, Moses rebuked them, fearing that their request would discourage the other tribes, just as the ten spies had done in Numbers 13. But when Reuben and Gad promised to help their fellow Israelites conquer the land before settling down, Moses granted their request.
This passage provides a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus as the One who grants rest to the faithful. Just as these tribes longed for a settled inheritance, so too does Jesus offer rest—eternal and spiritual—to all who trust in Him.
1. The Burden of the Journey and the Promise of Rest
The tribes of Reuben and Gad had been journeying through the wilderness for years. Their desire to settle in a place of rest is something we all relate to. Life is full of toil, uncertainty, and struggle, but God has always promised rest to His people:
- The Sabbath Rest (Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8-11): God set aside the Sabbath as a day of rest for His people, a sign of His provision.
- The Promised Land (Deuteronomy 12:9-10): Canaan represented the rest Israel would finally enter after years of wandering.
- Jesus’ Rest (Matthew 11:28-30): Jesus offers ultimate rest—not just physical, but deep spiritual rest.
Just as Reuben and Gad sought a resting place, every human soul longs for a home, a place of peace and security. But true rest is not found in a physical location; it is found in Jesus.
2. The Risk of Settling Too Soon
Reuben and Gad saw that the land east of the Jordan was suitable, and they desired to settle there. But in their eagerness to find rest, they risked missing out on the fullness of God’s promise.
Many people today do the same. They settle for temporary satisfaction instead of pressing on to receive the fullness of God’s rest. Consider these examples:
- Israel in the Wilderness (Numbers 14:1-4): They wanted to return to Egypt rather than trust God for Canaan.
- Demas (2 Timothy 4:10): He loved the present world more than following Christ.
- The Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-22): He valued earthly possessions over eternal life.
Jesus calls us to press on and trust Him fully. If we settle for what looks “good enough,” we may miss out on the best that He has prepared for us.
3. Fighting for the Rest of Others
When Moses challenged the request of Reuben and Gad, they responded with a commitment: they would not rest until their fellow Israelites had received their inheritance. They agreed to cross the Jordan and fight alongside their brethren before returning to their land (Numbers 32:16-27).
This is a picture of what Jesus has done for us! Though He is the King of Heaven, He left His place of glory to fight for us and secure our rest.
- Jesus fought sin and death on our behalf (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
- He did not seek His own comfort but endured the cross for our sake (Hebrews 12:2).
- He is our advocate, ensuring we reach our heavenly inheritance (Hebrews 7:25).
Like Reuben and Gad, we are called to help others find rest. We share the gospel, disciple others, and serve in love—so that more people can enter God’s rest.
4. Jesus: The True Rest for the Weary
Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 is one of the most comforting promises in Scripture. He calls all who are weary and burdened to come to Him. The burdens of life—sin, guilt, fear, and striving—can only be lifted by Him.
What Does Jesus’ Rest Look Like?
- Rest from Sin: Jesus cleanses us and removes our guilt (1 John 1:9).
- Rest from Fear: His perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).
- Rest from Striving: We don’t earn salvation; we receive it by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Rest in Eternity: Heaven is our ultimate place of rest (Hebrews 4:9-11).
The tribes of Reuben and Gad sought an earthly inheritance, but Jesus offers an eternal one. The land they chose was later lost in exile, but the rest Jesus gives is everlasting.
Conclusion: Will You Enter His Rest?
Numbers 32 is a reminder that God desires to grant rest to His faithful people, but we must trust Him fully. Jesus is our rest, our peace, and our eternal inheritance.
- Are you weary from the burdens of life? Come to Jesus.
- Have you been settling for temporary rest instead of pressing on for God’s best? Keep moving forward in faith.
- Are you helping others find their rest in Christ? Share His love and His truth.
Just as Reuben and Gad had to step out in faith and fight before resting, we too must endure this life’s challenges, knowing that our ultimate rest is in Jesus.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
