Bricks Without Straw

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Bricks Without Straw ( Exodus 5:1 - 6:5)

Scripture References: John 2, Matthew 11:28-30, Ephesians 5, 2 Corinthians 5:20, 1 Corinthians 15, Hebrews 12, Proverbs 4:23, 2 Corinthians 10:5, 1 Timothy 4:1-5, Exodus 5, Deuteronomy 1, Deuteronomy 2, Deuteronomy 6

Intro:

• Humorous opening about the challenges of being a parent and the tension between demands and rest.
• The call to obey Jesus, even when it's difficult.
• Focus on Jesus's invitation in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Key Points:

• The Invitation and the Yoke:
  • Jesus's invitation to come and learn from Him.
  • The image of a yoke: a tool for working together, not a burden.
  • Jesus offers an "easy yoke" and a "light burden."
• Contrasting Yokes:
  • The world's taskmasters: heavy demands, pressure to perform.
  • Jesus's yoke: an invitation to rest, learn, and be empowered.
• The Importance of Obedience:
  • Jesus's example: He was obedient to the Father, even to the point of death.
  • Obedience is not about earning favor, but about responding to God's love.
  • Obedience leads to life and freedom, not exhaustion.
• Our Role in Discipleship:
  • We are called to be disciples, learners who imitate Jesus.
  • Discipleship involves invitation and challenge, but also rest.
  • The importance of community and learning from others.
• The Call to Obedience and Rest:
  • Jesus is our Lord, and we are called to obey Him.
  • His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.
  • We are invited to come to Him and find rest for our souls.
• The Choice: To Obey or Resist:
  • The world's message: self-centered, demanding, and ultimately unsatisfying.
  • Jesus's message: come, learn, and find rest in Him.
  • The call to choose obedience over self-will.

Conclusion:

• Jesus offers a different way: a yoke of rest and a path of obedience that leads to life.
• We are invited to come to Him, learn from Him, and find rest for our souls.
• His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.

Call to Action:

• Examine your own heart: what "taskmasters" are driving you?
• Come to Jesus: find rest in His presence and embrace His easy yoke.
• Be obedient to His commands, even when they are challenging.
• Learn from Jesus and walk in His ways.
• Choose to follow Him, finding life and rest in His love and leadership.