Why did Jesus invite people to “Come unto me”?
Matthew records Jesus’ now famous phrase, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28). Contrasting Jewish teachers at the time, Jesus Christ invites people to come unto him, not the Law. No teacher before or any after ever invited Israel to come unto them; instead they invited people to the Law itself or the wisdom teachings that included the Law. This startling invitation proved once again that Jesus Christ stood apart and above all teachers of the Law—and that he stood above the Law and all wisdom.
Jesus’ invitation to “come unto me” was followed by promises to those who hearkened to his call, including a paradox so often found in Jesus’ teachings—an easy yoke and a light burden (see Matthew 11:30). Again, Jesus Christ contrasts himself with other religious teachers of the day who “bind heavy burdens” upon their disciples (Matthew 23:4).
In the end, Jesus’ most important promise was that those who came unto him would find “rest” (Matthew 11:28). It is important to note that Jesus Christ does not say that work will end, as the previous chapter demonstrates there is work enough (see Matthew 10). Instead, Jesus Christ promises that life’s fears, challenges, dashed hopes, and problems are lessened when one learns to be gentle and humble in heart. Learning of Jesus ultimately brings a unique rest to their inner most being—a peace that surpasses all understanding (Matthew 11:29).
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