I Will Give You Rest. Come!

The following Bible study was held in English at the European World Day of Prayer Conference 2025 in Edinburgh. I would like to express my gratitude to the European Representatives of the International World Day of Prayer Committee, Edith Hajnalka Toth (Romania) and Senka Sestak Peterlin (Croatia), for inviting me to this Bible study. Nigeria's theme for the 2026 Women's World Day of Prayer is: “I Will Give You Rest: Come”. This refers to Matthew 11:28-30. These words of Jesus appear only in the Gospel of Matthew. Why did Matthew add these verses to the previous tradition, and what theology does he use and why? This Bible study focuses on the character of the Gospel of Matthew to gain a better understanding of the text of Matthew 11:28-30. What does rest mean? How could it provide relief even today? It is the simple insight that demands alone do not give us the strength to fulfil them. Following Jesus not only includes doing what is necessary, but it is also necessary for people to be given strength to do so by Christ himself. Without being given, you cannot give; without being loved, you cannot love. Following Jesus also includes resting and being supported. In short, it is about experiencing grace. The encour-agement comes before the demand, the gift before the task.